Stones: I can take pressure
JOHN STONES insists he can cope with the tag of being Britain’s most expensive defender — and the criticism to go with it.
The Manchester City and England centre-back came through a testing first season since boss Pep Guardiola sanctioned a £49million deal with Everton last summer.
And he has admitted he is bitterly disappointed to be still waiting for the first winner’s medal of his professional career.
But the defender says he can handle the expectation and when Guardiola asked him if he wanted the City No.5 shirt worn with such distinction by departing fans’ favourite Pablo Zabaleta, he did not hesitate to take up the offer.
Stones said: “The fee doesn’t really make it harder for me. I’m very fortunate to have been bought for that amount of money — almost flattered by City paying that much.
“And, of course, I want to do myself justice.
“I was disappointed with my first season at City, purely because we had such a great team and we set the bar high.
“We all believed we could do better — and I know that I could have done better in some games.
“But I have a thick skin and I don’t worry about criticism from the outside too much.
“Ultimately, I only listen to the manager, my teammates and my family.”
On wearing Zabaleta’s shirt, Stones said: “I spoke to Pablo before I took it.
“It was nice to get his blessing because he has had the No.5 shirt for such a long time.
“It was about respect. And now I just want to do it justice.”
Stones added: “As a kid, my team always won trophies, but in my professional career I’ve not won anything yet and I’m hungry to get a medal around my neck.”