I'm not going anywhere — Man City star responds to Guardiola's plans to trim squad

John Stones has revealed he faced "dark days" during last season’s injury struggles but, now fully recovered, is determined to secure his place at Manchester City.

The 31-year-old missed 33 games, including the final three months, due to a hamstring injury sustained against Real Madrid in February, restricting him to just six Premier League starts.

Stones was unused in City’s opener against Wydad AC but is poised for minutes against Al Ain in Atlanta on Sunday.

“I'm back fit, feel great, and I'm excited to get going,” Stones said. “It's difficult when you're injured. There have been points where you think, you've been giving all this effort, you dedicate all your life, especially how I approach or go about my life, and football.

"I give everything, on and off the pitch to be here or be ready to play games, and those are the dark days.”

Despite Pep Guardiola’s plans to reduce the squad this summer and with only one year left on his contract, Stones has quashed rumors of a return to Everton, reaffirming his commitment to City. “I'm here, I want to stay here, I love it,” he said.

“I'm here to help the team, and I don't know if what's been said or speculated, but I hope that kind of shuts it down.”