We were flooded with messages and we are publishing a selection of them below.
So many amazing memories as players but the thing that stands out to me was both John and Bernardo taking time out to personally sign a mosaic I commissioned and donated to a young girl who needed life-saving cancer treatment. This went on to raise £3K and the photos of the two of them signing really helped to raise the profile. Two absolute legends of the club.
Mark Donohue
John Stones and Bernardo Silva. I would like to thank you for very beautiful, passionate and loyal service to Manchester City. The pair of you join an incredible club of players that have pulled the sky blue jersey over your heads and finally bow out. I wish there was just one more season of you guys playing for City, but then next season I would ask for just one more season. So let me say thank you for the wonderful memories you made for all Manchester City fans and I wish you all the best.
Deon Swartz
Not all that glitters is gold, sometimes it’s Silva. Not all Stones are diamonds but John was one. Thank you boys.
Ruby
They are true warriors of the blue side of Manchester — thank you, John Stones and Bernardo Silva, for the passion, brilliance, sacrifices, and unforgettable memories. From historic triumphs to magical moments, your legacy at City will live forever. You guys are Legends indeed. Wishing you both greatness in your next chapter.
Joshua Tonny
Two City Legends. One Final Tribute. Bernardo Silva gave us magic. John Stones gave us everything. One painted football like art, the other defended the badge with heart.
Through every title, every comeback, every unforgettable night — they stood for Manchester City with class, passion, and loyalty. Silva made us dream. Stones made us believe. Forever legends. Forever Blue.
Lelekeng Teka
Two absolute legends. From the Stones last ditch goal line clearance against Liverpool to the Bernardo goals in our Champions League winning run, two players that always gave 110% every game for us fans. We love you more than you guys could ever know. Your names will forever be sung at the Etihad and all round the world. Best of luck. Once a Blue always a Blue.
Oscar Hague
You didn’t just win trophies, you gave us memories that’ll last forever. You wore the badge with pride, played the City way, and helped turn us into the best team in the world. Wherever you go next, you’ll always be sky blue. Come back to the Etihad soon - the standing ovation is waiting.
Aleu Diing Aleu Akech
Hi guys just wanted to thank you both for the last ten years. I have been a supervisor since 1954, seen a lot of games but you two players are a shining example of a professional footballer. I wish you both good luck for the upcoming World Cup. We are going to sadly miss you both.
Raymond Gilera-Rooke
To Bernardo Silva — What a player he has been, both on and off the field. One of the best in every way imaginable. His passion, energy, work rate, and love for the badge were unmatched. And to John Stones — He stepped onto that grass like a roaring lion, giving absolutely everything for the team. Calm, strong, intelligent, and always ready to fight for the badge. You helped create history, including bringing us our first-ever UEFA Champions League title — something that once felt impossible. I can only imagine how emotional it must feel leaving after so many unforgettable years. But please know this: your names will forever be written in Manchester City history.
Unathi
Thank You, Legends. Always Blue. John Stones -10 years, 294 appearances, a kid who became a man and a champion at the Etihad. Your composure, intelligence, and loyalty defined an era. Bernardo Silva - 9 years of magic, 76 goals, and a captain who led by example until the very last whistle. Pure class, every single day.
Six Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cups, and so much more - collected together, won together. The City never forgets its own. Thank you both.
Emmanuel Kipkorir
Bernardo you have been my favourite player, you are like a little Jack Russell, you are everywhere and always play 110%. Good luck to you both.
Julie
Bernardo and John, thank you building this fortress of the Etihad and establishing dominance in the Premier League. We’ll never forget your contributions to the team. The locker room and the fans will miss your leadership. Good luck on your next adventures. Take care!
Jonathan Dass
It’s hard to put into words how much these two are loved and appreciated by the City fans. For me personally, they are two of my favourite players to play for the club and I’ve been watching City since the mid 90’s. John’s performance in the Champions League final will never be forgotten, how instrumental he was in the 100 points season and Four in a Row can never be underestimated. For me, England’s greatest-ever centre back who redefined what a central defender could be.
Tom Mason
Bernardo Silva and John Stones will forever be part of the golden history of Manchester City. From the pressing, technical brilliance and leadership of Bernardo to the elegance and composure Stones brought into defence and midfield, they represented pure football class. Bernardo Silva was more than just a midfielder, he was the heartbeat, the engine, the fighter. Many supporters described him as City’s ‘glue, brains and heartbeat’ because of how he controlled games, pressed relentlessly and always stepped up in the biggest moments. John Stones changed the modern centre back role. He was very calm under pressure, technically gifted and fearless in possession. The names Bernardo Silva and John Stones will always be remembered.
Bonginkosi Mngomezulu
Thank you for giving us Manchester City fans some of the greatest memories we will ever witness. Bernardo Silva the magician, the engine, the heartbeat of our Pep Guardiola’s City team. From that unforgettable masterclass against Real Madrid at the Etihad, to endless nights of relentless pressing, dazzling dribbles and moments of pure brilliance, you embodied everything this club stands for. And Johnny Stones our “Barnsley Beckenbauer.” From the iconic 1.12 cm goal-line clearance against Liverpool that helped secure a title, to redefining the modern defender during the Treble-winning season, you gave us elegance, composure and courage. Football moves on, but legends never leave. Your names will forever echo around the Etihad Stadium and live in our hearts forever. Thank you for everything. With love and gratitude.
Nicole Berry
John Stones, your calmness on the field is truly top-notch. We’re going to miss your smile, composure and leadership at Manchester City. Bernardo Silva, an amazing captain and such a wonderful team player. Your aura is peaceful, genuine and full of class. We’re going to miss you both at City, but we’ll always love and appreciate you.
Ojo Oyetolani
Thanks so much for all you have both given the club. I’ve supported this team for 56 years now and the last decade has been nothing short of unbelievable! And you guys contributed greatly to this. Thanks for all the fabulous memories. It really has been a pleasure.
Sean
John has been a class act in defence - and even in midfield! Thank you John for being such an important part of our success. Bernardo is the epitome of the City we love - energy, skill beyond belief, team ethic, winning mentality, humility, brilliant leadership, and consistency. We just love you Bernardo!
Noel Brady
Bernardo - a true legend. You put in 100% on the pitch. The fact you have only missed a handful of games through injury is astonishing. You will be truly missed.
Johnny, Johnny Stones - what can I say about another true legend. I will never forget your goalline clearance against Liverpool or your performance in the Champions League final. You were a true fan favourite and you will be missed more than words can say.
Jill Holden
John Stones was my favourite player from the day he signed… a Rolls Royce of a footballer – calm, clever and super talented. What can you say about Bernardo that hasn’t been said. His goal against Liverpool this past season followed by him not celebrating but just grabbing the ball out of the net and demanding the winner. And we got it. What mental strength!!!!
Alan Fox
John Stones and Bernardo Silva embodied everything this era of Manchester City stands for : intelligence, sacrifice, elegance, resilience and an unbreakable winning mentality. Stones redefined defending with composure and courage, while Bernardo gave us the kind of relentless passion and technical brilliance that every supporter dreams of watching. From historic title races to unforgettable European nights, they never just played for the badge — they honoured it.
Kyengo
I’ve been a season ticket holder since 1968. Bernardo instantly became my favourite City player from the moment I first saw him play. He always makes football a joy to watch. John is the nearest thing I’ve ever seen to Beckenbauer - the best defender I’ve seen and makes the game a work of art. Both thoroughly nice and good people too and that’s important!
Alan Younger
Dear John and Bernado,
I can’t quite put it into words how much it saddens me to be saying goodbye. It feels like you’ve been here forever, and now I’m faced with the reality of watching my team without you in it. I’ve gone from a boy to a man growing up watching you both week in week out playing for City and over that time you have both created so many great memories that I can carry with me for my lifetime.
My birthday is often on the final day of the Premier League and in 2022, it couldn’t have been a more special day. Watching you two and the team come back from two goals down against Villa to win our second title in a row was another once in a lifetime experience made possible by the both of you and the team. You’ve both brought so much joy to my life through all the special moments of magic you’ve given to us City fans and I’ll always love you for that. I wish both of you all the best in your futures and would like to end this by just saying two simple words. Thank you.
Joe Williams
Me and my son Fenn will forever remember the day he was 10 and he was picked to be a mascot. He walked out with Bernardo, against Nottingham forest in 2022 and he will cherish this memory all his life. Fenn is always singing the Bernardo and Johnny Stones songs. We will miss you both so much.
Nicola Barlow
Bernie - a legend with the touch of an angel and the heart of a lion. Johnny Stones - class player and he wears an anorak zipped all the way up!
Dave Tagger
John Stones - He’s got a cagoule? Zipped all the way up to the top? Absolute legend and the coolest footballer ever. The goalline clearance in 2019 against Liverpool will always be iconic. Thanks for all the memories. Bernardo Silva - A consistent, solid player always. He has never let us down and has been there for it all! Thanks for always turning up, Bernardo and also sharing your humour. You will be missed!
Charlotte
General John Stones elegance and bravery.
Maestro Bernardo Silver heart and magic.
Jon Dekis
Bernardo - my favourite player. Smallest guy on the pitch, but bigger the game the bigger he gets. Johnny Stones? The song says it all, a virtuoso defender.
Howard Valentine Morris
In my opinion, John Stones is the finest centre half this country has had in the past decade. It’s just a pity he has had so many injuries. Bernardo makes City tick, he covers such ground, it’s like having an extra player on the field. PRICELESS
David Simpson
There are so many individual and team contributions that both Bernardo and John have provided it too difficult to single out one. You have brought me great pleasure, proud to be a fan something I have been for more than 60 years. I put you both up there with others I have admired Colin Bell, Frances Lee, Mike Summerbee Thank you both I wish you long happy lives and please return to support us.
Eddie Hills
