John Stones signs two-year deal with Inter Milan

England's John Stones will play his football in Italy with Serie A champions Inter next season

John Stones has joined Inter Milan on a two-year contract, the Serie A club have announced.

The England centre-back was a free agent after leaving Manchester City and had attracted interest from clubs across Europe.

The 32-year-old ended his 10-year stay at City in June.

He made 295 appearances for the club after joining from Everton for £47.5m in 2016 and won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and a Champions League title.

A video on social media circulated on Thursday which showed Stones arriving in Milan and he displayed his excitement of joining the Serie A champions.

He told fans: “I’m excited to be here. Appreciate you guys, I’m sure I’ll see you all soon. Thank you so much. Ciao.” Stones arrives in Italy after playing a key role in helping England to the semi-finals of the World Cup and has accumulated 94 caps for his country.

After coming through the youth system at Barnsley, Stones made the switch to Everton where he played for three years before moving to Manchester City where he became a key component in Pep Guardiola’s side.

Stones has now moved abroad for the first time in his career and joins a number of English players who are now taking the opportunity to play abroad, including World Cup stars Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich respectively.

He becomes the second defender to make the switch from the Etihad Stadium to San Siro after Manuel Akanji made his loan move permanent earlier this summer.

Inter announced the signing on their website which read: “After 32 years in England, John Stones is ready for a new chapter in Milano, Italy. A new environment, a new league and a new challenge, backed by all the experience he has gained throughout his career.

“For the first time, he will no longer wear just blue, but black and blue. From the green fields of Barnsley to the San Siro pitch, after making history in Manchester, John Stones is ready for his next chapter at Inter.” 

Stones managed just nine Premier League appearances last campaign after suffering from thigh and calf issues and he will be hoping he can have more of an impact this season.