Guardiola admits he's close to the England defender.
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Ahead of tonight's Champions League clash with Sparta Prague, Guardiola said of Stones: "John is like my son, honestly.
"I know his body language, I know everything about him. He's one of the loveliest professionals and a lovely person.
"There's not a person I would like more than him (to be playing), so the only reason maybe he is not is because Ruben (Dias) is the man or an incredible top four, it's not a lack of confidence it's not a lack of aggression.
"Or whatever..."