Manchester City vs Al Ain live updates: Club World Cup 2025 predictions, team news, latest score

John Stones has committed his future to Manchester City after admitting he questioned whether there was a way back from some “dark days” during a 2024-25 season ravaged by foot and hamstring injuries.

It limited him to only 13 starts in all competitions and the influx of new defenders in the last two transfer windows led to speculation as to whether he could be allowed to leave before his contract expires next summer.

💬 “I’m here, I want to stay here, I love it. I’m here to help the team. I don’t know what’s been said or speculated, but I hope that kind of shuts it down.”

Stones, 31, also admitted he found the difficulty of diagnosing and treating his injury problems mentally challenging, before continuing to say the Club World Cup gives him an opportunity to get back to top shape.

“I feel great, I’m back fit, ready to help the team when called upon. Now I’ve put that behind me and used this as a mini introduction before the new season and another trophy for us to hopefully win and get some game time.”