England international John Stones says that he is ‘proud’ to be part of the project at Inter after stepping out of his comfort zone to join the reigning Serie A champions after a 10-year spell in the Premier League with Manchester City.
Stones on first Inter goal and reuniting with Akanji
The 32-year-old left Manchester City as a free agent at the end of his contract on June 30 and signed a two-year contract with Inter a month later. He scored his first goal for the club in a 1-0 friendly victory over Real Betis on Saturday evening.
John Stones scores his first Inter goal in a 1-0 friendly victory over Real Betis (@inter)
“I’m really pleased. It feels great to score this goal, especially because it doesn’t happen very often for me,” Stones told the Inter club website after full-time on Saturday. “Wearing these colours and scoring this goal is special, and I’m really excited about what’s to come.
“The team put in a very strong performance. Everyone worked incredibly hard, and I’m delighted to have been able to give them a victory they deserved.
“This is an incredible shirt to represent, one of the most iconic in football history. You can feel the greatness of this Club everywhere at the training centre. I’ve seen the trophies, and this is a special team. I’m proud to be part of it. We want to write new chapters in the club’s history.”
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JUNE 06: John Stones of England looks on prior to the international friendly match between England and New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium on June 06, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Inter are the reigning Serie A and Coppa Italia champions, but Stones insists that there is plenty of competition in the league this season and that there will be a wide mix of clubs competing for places in the Champions League.
“Serie A is a tricky league; it has many strong teams competing for Champions League places. I’m really excited for the challenge and to experience a new style of football that I’m not used to. I’ve stepped outside my comfort zone, so let’s see what happens.”
After joining Inter, Stones has reunited with one of his former Manchester City teammates in defender Manuel Akanji, who joined the Nerazzurri on an initial loan deal last summer before seeing his move made permanent earlier this year.
“I think he’s a really great guy: humble and genuine, just like he is on the pitch,” said Stones. He’s a world-class player. I was lucky enough to share a dressing room with him for three years at City, and now I’m fortunate to have found him here again.”
This was Inter’s final pre-season test of the summer before taking on Monza in the first round of 2026-27 Serie A fixtures next Saturday.