I Don’t Regret Not Joining Chelsea – John Stones

John Stones has no regrets about missing out on a move to Chelsea in 2015 because he has ended up working with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City who he says is “the best manager in the world.”

Stones handed in a transfer request in order to link up with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea but a move was denied by Everton. One year on the Toffees were unable to keep the England international from leaving for City, and he is happy with how it worked out.

“I suppose what happened turned out to be a blessing in disguise,” he told reporters. “I stated last year what I wanted to do. It didn’t happen and so I just got on with it, kept going, set out to win games and improve as a player.

“For me personally, I am now working with the best manager in the world. I’m over the moon to be at City and learning from a manager like Pep Guardiola.

“Obviously I am going to make some mistakes, but it is how I look to correct those and keep moving forward as a player. I came here because I want to be a winner. I’m like every other player — I just want to win some silverware.

“It is difficult when there is a lot of speculation and a lot of things happening in your personal life. It just didn’t unsettle me, it affected my family as well.

“You cannot afford to waste any time as a player. When the game goes you cannot get it back, so it was a great learning curve for me last year and I feel I have come out of it stronger and a better person and player.

“I certainly don’t think my professionalism could be questioned because all I wanted to do was knuckle down and keep improving as a player. Hindsight is a great thing, but it has all worked out perfectly for me in the end.”

Stones has been a part of City’s excellent start to the season, playing three of their opening fixtures and he has found the step up an easy one to make.

He said: “I kept myself fit and match-sharp before I came here, so it would just be a case of getting used to the players and the way we play. I just wanted to hit the ground running and show what I can do.

“I didn’t have to change anything. The gaffer knew how I played and it was just fine-tuning a few things and getting on the same page.

“I really enjoy the training and learning new things from him. He is an ultimate professional, Very detailed. He wants us to be on the same page going into every game. He gets a lot of points across to us.

“It is good because it keeps me thinking, gets me realising the situations we are in against different teams so I can make that decision while I am out there and make it quicker.”