John Stones has finalized a high-profile transfer to Serie A champions Inter Milan on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract following the expiration of his contract at Manchester City. The 32-year-old defender arrives at San Siro after a decade in Manchester, agreeing to a deal worth a reported four million euros ($4.6 million) per season. Upon touching down in Milan to meet reporters, Stones detailed the deep emotions surrounding his decision to embark on his first professional chapter outside of English football, describing the transition to Inter as an overwhelming feeling and an unreal opportunity that he and his family embraced without hesitation.

The England international offers vast elite European experience to Christian Chivu’s defensive line as Inter look to defend their Scudetto title. The Italian club is banking on a fresh environment helping the central defender put his recent fitness struggles behind him. A move abroad had long been a personal goal for Stones, and Inter successfully beat out Serie A rivals Juventus—who were also keen on securing his signature prior to this summer’s World Cup—to complete the transaction.

Stones arrives in Italy on the heels of playing a crucial role during England’s run to the World Cup semi-finals under manager Thomas Tuchel. He started the tournament opener against Croatia before acting as an unused substitute against Ghana and Panama. Stones then made impactful substitute appearances in knockout victories over the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mexico, before returning to the starting XI for the quarter-final win over Norway and the tight 2-1 semi-final defeat against Argentina. “I still feel I have so much to give to a club and I feel in a good moment physically,” Stones stated regarding his condition.

In Milan, Stones reunites with former Manchester City teammate Manuel Akanji, who joined Inter last year and quickly established himself as a key figure in the backline. That familiar link should accelerate his integration into Italian football as he adjusts to new system demands. “I’m someone who’s very hungry to win again,” Stones declared. “I’ve been very fortunate to have won so many things in the past, and I want to bring that experience here. You don’t win by yourself. Hopefully, I can bring all of my attributes, and I’m very, very open to learning new things and a new way of football and a new league.”