‘John Stones to retire’ – Man City fans bid farewell to their ‘legend’
Man City fans have told John Stones to retire from football following Pep Guardiola’s news on the injury-struck defender.
Stones, who could be one of five Man City senior players sold in the summer, lasted just eight minutes before being replaced during the 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday 19 February.
The 30-year-old centre-back has often struggled for fitness during his time with the Citizens, making under 20 Premier League appearances in three of the last five seasons.
Pep Guardiola was forced to replace him with Nathan Ake, who has also struggled with injuries this season, as he joined Manuel Akanji and Rodri on the treatment table.
John Stones could need surgery after Man City injury blow
Following his latest injury blow, Guardiola has suggested that surgery might be a possibility for Stones, but it is not a definite scenario.
Speaking to the media, the manager said: “He is injured. It’s a difficult one. In the next days, we will know if he needs surgery or not.”
Considering how many times Stones has already been sidelined in the last few seasons, the news has not gone down well with the frustrated fanbase.
Champions League hopes thrown away after Real Madrid thrashing
While it was only 3-1 on the night, Carlo Ancelotti’s side ran out 6-3 winners on aggregate, and the injured defender could only stay on the pitch long enough for Kylian Mbappe to score the opener.
Man City fans are in full meltdown as they watch their Champions League-winning team come crumbling down, and it could all be finished once the summer transfer window rolls around.
Kevin de Bruyne has long been linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabia, which is becoming more and more likely after the attacking star was left on the bench against Madrid.
Stones having to undergo surgery would likely just be the final nail in the coffin for some, with injuries, errors and awful performances stacking up in front of Guardiola.
One supporter has gone as far as to suggest that the defender should just “retire” while another was infuriated by the “ridiculous” update of yet another injury blow for the player.