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John Stones proud after scoring first Inter goal in new Serie A chapter

2026-08-31 · John Stones · Player Focus

John Stones has opened up about his major career shift, scoring his first goal for Inter Milan in a 1-0 friendly win over Real Betis on Saturday, August 29. The 32-year-old England defender joined the Serie A champions as a free agent this summer after a decade with Manchester City, calling the move a step outside his comfort zone.

Stones on his Inter Milan arrival and first goal

Stones told the Inter club website he was delighted to score, an event he admitted doesn't happen often for him. He described the feeling of wearing Inter's iconic shirt as special and expressed pride in being part of a club with such a visible history. The team's strong performance in the friendly, which he felt deserved a win, added to his excitement for the season ahead. He signed a two-year contract with Inter in late July following the expiration of his Manchester City deal on June 30.

Adapting to a new league and fresh challenges

The defender is clear-eyed about the task in Italy. He called Serie A a tricky league with many strong teams competing for Champions League places. Stones said he is excited to experience a new style of football, one he is not accustomed to after his long Premier League career. This adaptation is the core of his current challenge. He believes there will be a wide mix of clubs vying for the top spots, making the domestic campaign highly competitive.

Reuniting with a former teammate at Inter

A familiar face has helped smooth the transition. After joining Inter, Stones has reunited with former Manchester City teammate Manuel Akanji. The Swiss defender made the same move to the Italian giants earlier in the transfer window. Their existing understanding could prove valuable for Inter's backline as manager Simone Inzaghi looks to integrate new signings.

  • New Chapter: John Stones left Manchester City after 10 years, joining Inter Milan on a free transfer with a two-year deal.
  • First Strike: He scored his first Inter goal in a 1-0 friendly victory against Real Betis on August 29.
  • League Outlook: Stones acknowledges Serie A's competitive nature, with multiple teams fighting for Champions League qualification.
  • Familiar Face: He has linked up again with former City defender Manuel Akanji at the San Siro.

Stones' comments reveal a player embracing change at a key stage of his career. His focus is now fully on contributing to Inter's project and helping them write new chapters in their history. The physical and tactical demands of Serie A will test him, but his experience and the club's winning mentality set the stage for an intriguing season.

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