Stones happy he didn't join Chelsea

Chelsea made a number of bids for the England defender last summer, put Everton stood firm and did not let Stones join the Blues.

It is thought that Stones was keen on a move to Chelsea at the time, but revealed that he is happy that it did not work out in the end.

"I suppose what happened turned out to be a blessing in disguise," Stones told the media ahead of City's game against West Ham.

"I stated last year what I wanted to do. It didn't happen and so I just got on with it, kept going, set out to win games and improve as a player.

"For me personally, I am now working with the best manager in the world. I'm over the moon to be at City and learning from a manager like Pep Guardiola.

"I came here because I want to be a winner. I'm like every other player – I just want to win some silverware".

Stones also talked about how speculation affected him last season.

"It is difficult when there is a lot of speculation and a lot of things happening in your personal life. It didn't unsettle just me, it affected my family as well.

"You cannot afford to waste any time as a player. When the game goes you cannot get it back, so it was a great learning curve for me last year and I feel I have come out of it stronger and a better person and player.

"Hindsight is a great thing, but it has all worked out perfectly for me in the end".