John Stones has described the emotions of joining Inter and set out how he wants to be remembered at San Siro.
Speaking in an interview with DAZN, via TuttoMercatoWeb, the England defender reflected on the move that took him from Manchester to Milan in the summer.
“I felt a lot of emotions, it was an overwhelming feeling of happiness and pride,” Stones said. “I’m really grateful for this opportunity, I’m excited to be here. I’d describe myself as kind, happy and competitive. As a child I was never still, always moving, I was really active.”
Stones still finding his place in the Inter dressing room
He is usually a vocal presence, though he is holding back while he settles.
“I talk a lot in the dressing room, even if right now I’m observing and trying to find my place in the group. The technical aspect I do best is passing, for the rest I have to improve in everything.”
On the demands of playing for a club of Inter’s size, he was relaxed. “When you play the pressure is always there, it’s positive. It lets you give your best if you manage it well, and you end up getting used to it. It’s about knowing what you’ve done in the past and during the week so you feel good in the game.”
Stones is currently sidelined with the muscle injury that forced him off against Udinese, though he posted earlier this week that he is already working towards a return after the international break.
He missed the 2-2 draw at Roma, where Inter recovered from two goals down, exactly the kind of start Cristian Chivu will want his most experienced defender available to prevent.
“I always give 100 per cent, I’m competitive, I love winning and I leave everything on the pitch,” he said. “I think I’ve grown a lot as a person and as a player. I had so much success and built so many friendships and memories at City. When I scored for Inter in a friendly it felt almost unreal. I was really happy, it was a special day.
“I’d like to be remembered by the fans for having given everything for the team, for the club and for the shirt. And for having won.”
