John Stones could have his Inter Milan contract ripped up, just four months after joining on a free transfer from Manchester City.

After an incredible decade at the Etihad Stadium, where he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and a Champions League, Stones' emotional exit from City was confirmed earlier this year.

The Englishman made 295 appearances for the Cityzens, establishing himself as one of Europe's best ball-playing defenders when he was at the peak of his powers. Now, at the age of 32, the former Everton star is on the decline, and his injury woes have continued in Italy.

John Stones could depart Inter Milan after just four months

Stones was inundated with offers when he came to the end of his contract at City. Arsenal and Chelsea were among the clubs that showed interest in the defender without submitting an offer. They were shortly joined by Juventus, who explored a move to land him before Inter offered him a two-year deal.

Joining Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones at the Nerazzurri, Stones was supposed to add class and experience to an Inter defence, but injury problems have hampered the ball-playing defender from showcasing his talents in Serie A.

Inter's No.6 has been sidelined with a thigh injury since mid-September after playing just 62 minutes in the 5-3 victory over Udinese. That is one of just four appearances he has made in all competitions, with reports in Italy indicating his future at the San Siro hinges on his ability to stay fit.

According to Gazzetta, the 32-year-old could leave in the January window or be left out of their updated squad list if he cannot improve his availability, creating the unfortunate possibility of his contract being ripped up.

The above article doesn't say where Stones could go next if he leaves the Italian giants, but a return to the Premier League is surely a possibility. Everton have long been linked with a move to re-sign the defender, a decade after leaving Merseyside, though his obvious injury problems will make any club wary of capturing him on big wages.

How John Stones feels at Inter Milan

After seeing his minutes become limited at Man City due to injury and Pep Guardiola preferring other players over him, Stones saw leaving the Etihad as an opportunity to get a fresh start elsewhere.

Like many other players reaching the latter stages of their careers, Italy's top division is a common destination, with Stones describing his sense of pride when reflecting on his arrival at Inter.

"I felt a lot of emotions; it was an overwhelming feeling of happiness and pride," he said after joining. "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."

Reflecting further on his switch, Stones was initially relaxed about playing for a club of Inter's stature after experiencing the huge weight of expectation at Man City.

"When you play the pressure is always there, it's positive," he continued. "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 remaining upbeat, despite his continuous injury problems, but what his long-term future in Italy holds remains to be seen.