Raheem Sterling has blasted Manchester City, admitting his disappointment at the club after joining Chelsea. Raheem Sterling joined Chelsea in a deal worth £47.5m after seven years with the Citizens. The England star dropped startling details about what transpired between him and the club before he aimed at the exit door.
In July 2022, England star Raheem Sterling completed a £47.5m move to Chelsea. Although it was apparent that Manchester City’s new signings – Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland, would indeed increase the pressure on Manchester City’s front line, the exit of Raheem Sterling was not anticipated.
Recall that the Citizens have conducted what seems like a purge on the squad before the kick-off of the 2022-2023 Premier League season. Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Jesus, and Raheem Sterling were all shown the exit door. Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko joined Arsenal, while Raheem Sterling joined Chelsea.
When asked why he decided to sell the trio, Pep Guardiola did not mince words. He hinted at the competition in the starting lineup and the desire of the players to feature for the team regularly to lift their careers.
“They deserve to play regularly for the team to boost and also protect their careers. They have families who want to see them excel in their careers. But this is what cannot be offered at a time due to the depth and quality of other players, who also need to be used,” Guardiola said.
Raheem Sterling has disclosed what took place behind closed doors, which warranted his exit from Manchester City. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Sterling narrated how a previously smug and confident Manchester City player in him gave way to an unmotivated and disenchanted player seeking to leave the Etihad.
According to the England star, at the tail end of his Manchester City contract, he had to push for a move after his fortunes at Etihad dipped, and everything was nearing collapse.
“Everyone wants to feel wanted and important. It is always sad when you do your best for the team, sacrificing your kid’s birthdays only to discover that your effort is underappreciated,” Sterling said.
The 27-year-old decried his challenges at the club, how he grew furious and enraged by the treatment and had the desire or take a walk
“I was fuming and enraged at a time, but thank God it is in the past”, he said. “This is a new beginning for me. I am ready to focus on it.”
Sterling also admitted misunderstandings which led to a rundown of contract; everything just ending in an awkward way despite a good start at the club.
“It was just shameful how it turned out; misunderstandings, contract running down, and all sort of things. It was just sad how it ended”, he added.
Everything tuned out bad for Sterling at Manchester City despite his efforts, and he complained bitterly over the challenges which subsequently forced him out of the club. He admitted that he could not continue to wage a war that he could not win and had to back off.
“A lot of things came into play, a lot of reasons, but I wasn’t complaining. I was ready to challenge and, as you can see, even with some of the performances I put in, you couldn’t guarantee yourself a place so it just didn’t make sense to fight a battle you can never win”, the England international said.
Sergio Aguero, former Manchester City striker and Argentine international had blasted Manchester City for selling Raheem Sterling to Chelsea. According to Aguero, Manchester City may soon regret selling the player. Aquero admitted that it might take time for Manchester City’s new signing Erling Haaland to adapt to the Premier League.
Note that Raheem Sterling joined Manchester City in 2015 and helped the club to win the Premier League, League Cup, and the FA Cup. He has made 339 appearances for the club, scoring 131 goals.
He joined Chelsea in 2022 and has admitted to being happy at his new club.
