Stones ready to shine on City's biggest stage

How defender defied odds in career comeback

- SIMON BAJKOWSKI

JOHN Stones is ready to shine on the biggest stage for City after refusing to give up on his career at the Etihad.

Stones has been Pep Guardiola's secret weapon as the Blues have won a domestic double and clinched their place in the Champions League final with the defender's role in their sparkling form over the past few months a highlight.

The England international has pushed forward into midfield alongside and occasionally past Rodri in games, either from centre-back or from full-back and with enough spontaneity to mean opponents have been unable to stop him.

But if Stones has never been more crucial to City, three years ago he was staring at the exit door. The club were willing to move him on after injuries and personal issues were preventing him from hitting top form with any kind of consistency.

A reprieve came in part because fellow centre-back Eric Garcia decided to move to Barcelona despite City's wish to keep him, although it was noted that Stones did not agitate to leave while he wasn't getting in the team. The former Everton star hasn't looked back, and said ahead of his biggest game yet for the club that a refusal to contemplate leaving helped him.

"I never thought about that. I think as soon as you accept that or have that mindset then you have killed yourself," he said.