Cash-rich club Manchester City had pulled off the £47.5 million signing of promising defender John Stones from Everton on Tuesday, making the England international the second most expensive defender in history after Paris Saint-Germain's David Luiz.
City rivals Manchester United and Chelsea have tried snagging Stones from the Toffees during the past few transfer windows, but both high-profile clubs were not able to complete it. Rumors have emerged that the influence of Spanish manager Pep Guardiola may have a lot to do about the achievement of the deal this time.
The announcement was made simultaneous to UEFA revealing Stones as part of the Citizen's team that will compete in this season's Champions League, as per ESPN. City will face Romanian club FC Steaua București on August 16 at the Arena Națională in Bucharest in the first leg of their playoff round meeting for the said competitions.
In the aftermath of the move, the 22-year-old Stones received the no. 24 jersey from the Etihad giants while Everton confirmed that the £47.5 million deal was a club record for the Merseyside residents.
The 6-foot-2 Barnsley, England native is expected to start for Guardiola in their Premier League opener on Saturday against David Moyes' Sunderland eleven.
"I can't believe that I'm here playing for such a big club and the best manager in the world. It all seems so surreal," said Stones, who also admitted that he "cannot wait" to play for City this weekend. "It will take a few weeks to settle in and get my head around everything but I'm super excited."
Stones also said that he is hoping Guardiola will "bring out everything in me" as he believes that he has a lot to improve on his game.
"It's 110 percent the right decision to play under him and I'm so thankful that I'm getting the opportunity to come here and play with the best and improve day in, day out," he said.
"He's a winner and I think that's what's going to rub off on everyone. We need to win games and I'm sure that's what will happen," Stones added.
Meanwhile, Daily Mail Online reported that Stones is "absolutely delighted" to join City this summer as the young center back reportedly "could not stop smiling" during his press introduction at the Etihad on Tuesday.
Everton is rumored to be ready to replace Stones with Swansea City captain Ashley Williams, although the Swans are keen on not letting go of the Wales international.
