Stones, 23, joined City from Everton last summer for a reported £47.5 million, making him the world's second most expensive defender after David Luiz.

The England international found life tough at the Etihad Stadium at points last season, spending some time on the bench, and he admits his debut campaign could have gone better.

"I was disappointed with my first season at City, purely because we had such a great team and we set the bar high," Stones is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror. "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."

Stones added: "The [transfer] 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,"

City's frustrating 2016-17 season saw them finish third in the Premier League and end the campaign without any silverware.

"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," Stones said.