The Raheem Sterling thread

[MenInG]

Chelsea's Raheem Sterling 'couldn't afford to waste time' by staying at Man City

Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling has said he "couldn't afford to waste time" by staying at Manchester City.

Since 2018-19, the 27-year-old made fewer league starts each season for City, with 23 last term.

After seven years at City, Sterling wanted a "fresh challenge" and made a £50m move to Chelsea last month.

"Since I was 17 I've been a regular starter, and to get to the peak in my career, not to be playing regularly was something I wouldn't accept," he said.

"My personality is to try to fight and change the scenario, but it didn't come and that was it.

"As a person you strive to achieve, and I just felt my time at City was getting limited on playing time for different reasons.

"I couldn't afford to waste that time, so I needed to keep that same level and a fresh challenge."

Sterling was signed by Liverpool from the QPR academy in 2010 and became a regular in 2012-13, before a £49m move to City in 2015.

RB Leipzig re-sign Werner from Chelsea on permanent deal
Sterling won four Premier League titles with City, the League Cup five times and the FA Cup once, but the Champions League eluded them.

City lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the 2021 Champions League final, and although Sterling started that game, he only started five of City's past 13 knockout games.

"It does feel like coming home," he added. "I feel like it's my full journey - going up to Liverpool and manifesting what I wanted, going to City and living the dream, and now coming back to London as a grown adult.

"I've been in the football game a while now, I've got my head on my shoulders and I know exactly what I want from my life and football, so it's the perfect time to come back and have a new challenge."

Aiming to be 'more vocal and drive the team on'

Since his Premier League debut aged 17 with Liverpool, Sterling has made 469 first-team appearances and earned 77 England caps, and aims to be more of a leader at Chelsea than he was at City.

"Inside the changing room and at the football club, there's a developing side of me which I'd like to see a lot more," he said.

"That's to be more involved in decisions in the dressing room, to be more vocal, and try to drive the team on."

Sterling was Chelsea's first major signing since the Todd Boehly-led takeover, which followed the club reaching the final in four of the six cup competitions they played in over the past two seasons.

"This was the option that was tailor-made to my personal goals, and with my family as well, and the direction the club is going in," Sterling added.

"It's a team that's competing and only going to get better. With the new ownership as well, it made a lot of sense.

"It was tough, of course, with the time I spent at City and there's lots of memories and top moments.

"But the year and a bit that I was in and out of the team taught me a lot about myself, made me value a lot of things and I tried to get things in order.

"You have to make the decision that's best for yourself."

BBC

 

[James]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"> "He's not the answer for me" <br><br>Karen Carney says Raheem Sterling isn't what Chelsea need and they still need to find a striker <a href="https://t.co/NFodUafHmD">pic.twitter.com/NFodUafHmD</a></p>— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1558880221981458432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Firebat]

Raheem Sterling: Chelsea forward left fuming and raging by Manchester City exit

Raheem Sterling says Chelsea have restored his happiness for football after he was left fuming, raging, and shocked by how his Manchester City career ended.

Sterling completed a £47.5million move to Stamford Bridge in July after seven trophy-laden seasons in Manchester where he scored 131 goals in 339 appearances and won four Premier League titles, four League Cups, and one FA Cup.

In his final season at the Etihad Stadium, the 27-year-old England international featured 30 times in City's title-winning campaign but just 23 of those were starts, leading Sterling to conclude his sacrifices were not being reciprocated.

"Everyone wants to feel wanted, football is no different," Sterling exclusively told Geoff Shreeves ahead of Chelsea's Super Sunday trip to Leeds United - live on Sky Sports.

"When you play your heart out, sacrifice some of your kids' birthdays, and then get treated in a certain way, it's disappointing.

"At the time I was fuming, raging, but it's gone, it's in the past and I can only focus on the present, which is now, here at Chelsea, and the opportunity I've got here to go out and showcase my talents once again."

Pressed on the biggest factors behind his decision to trade Manchester City for Chelsea, Sterling said: "Misunderstandings, contracts running down. It was a shame to see how it ended in the end because I had such a great time there.

"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."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...eft-fuming-and-raging-by-manchester-city-exit

 

[James]

thanks Raheem, but I think the time for talking and complaining has passed for now. He needs to score some Chelsea goals.

 

[MenInG]

Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling says he was left "fuming" and "raging" by his exit from Manchester City.

Sterling, 27, moved to Stamford Bridge this summer in a deal worth £50m, having won four Premier League titles during seven years at City.

He started just 23 league games last season, and believes his sacrifices were not being rewarded.

"Everyone wants to feel wanted, football is no different," Sterling told Sky Sports.

"When you play your heart out, sacrifice some of your kids' birthdays, and then get treated in a certain way, it's disappointing.

"At the time I was fuming, raging, but it's gone, it's in the past and I can only focus on the present, which is now, here at Chelsea, and the opportunity I've got here to go out and showcase my talents once again."

He says "misunderstandings, contracts running down" were some of the factors behind him leaving City.

"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," he added.

Sterling, who scored 131 goals in 339 games for City, says his move to west London was a "blessing in disguise".

"If you are not happy playing your football you've got to look at other options to get that happiness back, and that's exactly what I have done," he added.

BBC

 

[MenInG]

Raheem Sterling unlocks Chelsea a huge boost in the race to sign Aston Villa star Leon Bailey. The 25-year-old winger has become heavily linked with the Blues recently, as Christian Pulisic seemingly nears an exit.

According to the Daily Mail, the west Londoners are set to make an approach for Bailey in the event that the United States international leaves Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are said to be anticipating Pulisic's exit after informing the club that he wants regular first-team opportunities.

Pulisic fell out of favour under former head coach Thomas Tuchel and he looked set for a new lease of life under new boss Graham Potter. But, even under new management, the winger has struggled to nail down a place in the Blues' starting XI.

Pulisic, who sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expiring in 2024, has featured 13 times for the west Londoners in the Premier League this season, directly contributing towards two goals. In the time he has had to showcase his ability, Pulisic has failed to convince Potter that he's worthy of a long-term future at the club.

The Daily Mail report that Chelsea are in the market for forwards who can 'inject more pace into their frontline'. RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku has been heavily linked with a move to west London and now Bailey too.

And, the Blues could already have a huge advantage in negotiations. Speaking to Sky Sports last month, the Villa star opened up on his relationship with Raheem Sterling.

The Jamaica international confessed his admiration for the Chelsea talisman and admitted that he only wanted to wear the No. 31 growing up - just as Sterling did at Liverpool.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/fif...sedgntp&cvid=209decbe15de436aabd63ac221c59c76

 

[James]

Sterling did well today, scored a goal and set up another. Proved me wrong — I wouldn’t have started him.

 

[Saj]

All the best to the guy.

Raheem Sterling was left out of England's squad for tonight's win over Senegal after armed intruders broke into his home, Sky News understands.

Sterling's family were at the property, and he wanted to get back as soon as he was alerted to the incident.

A source close to the Chelsea star told Sky News' sports correspondent Rob Harris that Sterling was "shaken" and "concerned for the well-being of his children".

The 27-year-old is flying home from Qatar.

 

[MenInG]

Raheem Sterling has left the England World Cup squad in Qatar and returned to London after his home was burgled.

The Chelsea winger, 27, missed Sunday's 3-0 last-16 win over Senegal.

Surrey Police said the occupants returned home on Saturday evening and found jewellery and watches had been taken. No threats of violence were involved.

The player's spokesperson said Sterling is "prioritising the wellbeing" of his three young children.

Speaking after Sunday's match, England manager Gareth Southgate said: "Sometimes football isn't the most important thing and family should come first."

According to his spokesperson, Sterling was "shaken" by the news and "as soon as he was alerted he wanted to get home, concerned for the wellbeing of his children".

Southgate added: "We want to give him that space and we will see over the next few days how that develops."

Sterling's spokesperson said on Sunday the intruders were armed and the family were home.

But in a statement on Monday, the police said: "We are currently investigating a report of a burglary at an address in Oxshott, Leatherhead.

"The occupants of the property came home and discovered a number of items, including jewellery and watches, had been stolen. Enquiries to establish the circumstances are under way and the investigation is ongoing.

"No threat of violence was involved as the items were discovered stolen retrospectively."

Speaking after the Senegal match, Sterling's England team-mate Declan Rice said: "I saw him at breakfast this morning, then the manager said he had the difficulties at home so we've all sent him a message."

England's next match at the World Cup is against France in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Sterling is the second player to leave the England squad after Arsenal defender Ben White, who returned to the UK on 30 November for personal reasons.

Two years ago, three burglars who targeted a number of homes in the north west of England, including an attempted break-in where Sterling lived in Cheshire in November 2018, were jailed.

The Chelsea forward, 27, started and scored in England's 6-2 win over Iran in their opening group game, before being called on again for the 0-0 draw with the United States.

Southgate opted instead to play Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden either side of Harry Kane for England's 3-0 win over Wales.

The England boss has often relied on Sterling during major tournaments; he started all seven of England's Euro 2020 matches.

BBC

 

[James]

All the best to him.

 

[ex-q-zit]

BREAKING: England players are now protecting their homes with guard dogs as well as 24-hour bodyguards.

Players want to ensure they are not targeted by organised crime gangs, after Sterling’s home was raided.

- talkSPORT sources understand

 

[James]

<b>Raheem Sterling 'shaken' after burglary which neighbours claim was an 'inside job by contractors'</b>

Raheem Sterling has been left 'shaken' following the burglary at his £6million mansion, with neighbours today claiming it was an 'inside job' by contractors - as England teammate Harry Maguire spoke out in solidarity.

Thieves broke into the father of three's £6million gated home before making off with a stash of watches and jewellery - prompting the shocked star to race home from Qatar to be with his family.

Police were contacted around 9pm on Saturday, December 3 after Sterling's family returned to find 'a number of items including jewellery and watches' had been stolen.

A number of Sterling's England teammates are understood to now be reviewing their own security in light of the frightening incident.

It comes as a neighbour today told MailOnline they were convinced it was an 'inside job' as she revealed how a string of builders and removal vans had been at the house.

She said: 'I came back from an overnight flight on Saturday night just after 9pm and the police were outside. The estate WhatsApp group lit up and we all knew very quick it was a break-in and thankfully no one was hurt.

'I've only seen him once walking his dogs, but I've seen the family and they are very young. I do feel desperately sorry for them as they have only just moved in.

'It's a pittance a month for the security and all the people on the chat know that Raheem's family haven't been signed up to the security.

'They had dozens of removals vans, builders and electricians trooping in and out a few weeks ago and they all knew the access codes.

'I'm sure it's an inside job and the codes have been passed around because people would have been talking. How else would anyone know he was there?'

Meanwhile, England defender Maguire spoke of his frustration over the incident.

He said: 'We're out here giving everything and at home people are attacking us.

'It is really disappointing to hear that Raheem has had to go home and get things done. We haven't had time to talk to him, because our full focus was on the match.

'The match could have gone differently because we lost Raheem. It is disappointing to lose him because of something out of our hands. We are all here for him.

'It is extremely disappointing to hear that we are out here and give absolutely everything to our country, and then there are people at home attacking us.'

Investigators are now working to determine when a burglary reported at the home of England forward Raheem Sterling took place and say no witnesses have come forward at this stage to say armed suspects or threats of violence were involved.

The 27-year-old Chelsea star was given leave to return to the UK from England's World Cup camp in Qatar after he learned about the burglary.

Sources close to Sterling had indicated on Sunday that armed intruders had broken into Sterling's home while his family were inside, but an updated statement issued by Surrey Police this afternoon said the occupants of the house were not present during the burglary and that there was no evidence at this point of armed intruders or threats of violence being involved.

'We are currently investigating a report of a burglary at an address in Oxshott, Leatherhead,' the statement read.

'On Saturday, December 3 the occupants returned to the address after arriving home from an international trip.

'They contacted police just before 9pm to report a number of items of jewellery, including watches, had been stolen. Officers attended the address later that night and returned to speak to the occupants this morning.

'At this time it remains unclear on which date the property was stolen and establishing this forms a key part of our investigation.

'Enquiries into the full circumstances remain ongoing and officers will look at all available evidence including any CCTV opportunities.

'We are aware of media reports stating there were armed suspects involved, however, at this time, we would reassure our communities that no witnesses have come forward to this effect and there are no reports of any threats of violence linked to this incident. Anyone with information should contact police directly if they have not already been spoken to.

'No arrests have been made at this time.'

The news of the break-in led to Sterling being unavailable for Sunday night's 3-0 victory over Senegal, which has taken England into the World Cup quarter-finals.

It is not yet clear whether the 27-year-old will return for Saturday's match against France, with England boss Gareth Southgate admitting he and everyone else would have to 'wait and see' regarding Sterling's availability.

Southgate was asked about Sterling in the press conference following Sunday's win over Senegal.

'Raheem, as the FA statement says, is having to deal with a family situation, so he's going back to England,' he said.

'We've got to give him time to try to resolve that or be there for his family. That's the most important thing at this time, so we're going to give him that space.

'It didn't impact team selection. I spent a lot of time with Raheem this morning, but you know you have days where events happen and you have to deal with them.

'He's on his way home and, yeah, we're obviously mindful of him being allowed space and (having) privacy respected, so we don't want to talk in too much detail.

'Of course it's not ideal for the group ahead of a big game, but it pales into insignificance - the individual is more important than the group in those moments.

'So, I needed to look after the situation and then I had to pass it on to others to deal with this afternoon in order to get him home.'

The Football Association offered extensive security guidance to players before leaving for Qatar and has an experienced security team on hand to advise and provide support as and when needed.

Sterling is among dozens of top-flight footballers who have had their homes targeted by thieves.

Several Manchester United players have been victims, with Tahith Chong, Victor Lindelof and Jesse Lingard all having break-ins early this year.

Security experts have warned that footballers' widely known schedules and obvious wealth increase the risk of their homes being targeted.

Last month, Stoke City defender Josh Tymon appealed for help after thugs stole 'everything of value' from his house in Knutsford, Cheshire, including watches, bags, shoes, jewellery and a Range Rover Sport SVR.

Liverpool ace Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and his fiancée Perrie Edwards were targeted in September, with a gang bursting into their £3.5million Cheshire property while they were with their 13-year-old son.

In April, a 31-year-old man was arrested after Chelsea star Reece James had a safe stolen from his house in Surrey. James, 21, said robbers struck in September and made off with his Champions League, Super Cup and Euro 2020 medals.

Sterling was last targeted in 2018 when he played for Manchester City and lived in Cheshire. But the gang were scared away when the alarm system was activated and left empty-handed.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/foo...sedgntp&cvid=45091038429d4a72801f6cea565a6907

 

[MenInG]

Police investigating a break-in at the home of England star Raheem Sterling have made two arrests after another attempted burglary in the same village.

Surrey Police is now looking into whether there are links between the two raids in Oxshott, Surrey.

In a statement, police said two men, who remain in custody, were arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary on 6 December in the Oxshott area.

Jewellery reported to be worth £300,000 was stolen from the player's home.

The Chelsea winger, 27, left the England World Cup squad in Qatar and returned to the UK after the burglary.

It is thought Mr Sterling's fiancée, Paige Milian, returned to the couple's home to discover that there had been a break-in.

The footballer is said to have been shaken and concerned about the wellbeing of his children following the incident.

It is understood the FA offered extensive security guidance to players before leaving for Qatar, with an experienced security team on hand to advise and provide support when needed.

BBC

 

[daytrader]

World Cup 2022: Raheem Sterling asks FA to look at him returning to Qatar for England v France

Raheem Sterling has asked the Football Association to look into the logistics of him rejoining the England squad at the World Cup in Qatar, according to a source close to the player.

A decision is expected on Thursday, with England preparing to face France in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

Chelsea winger Sterling, 28, left Qatar on Sunday after reports of a break-in at his Surrey mansion.

He missed England's 3-0 victory over Senegal in the last 16.

Sterling's representative had said the player's family were at home on Saturday when there were "armed intruders". The former Liverpool and Manchester City forward was said to be "shaken" and concerned for the well-being of his children.

In a statement Surrey police said they were investigating a report of a burglary after the occupants of the house returned to find jewellery and watches had been taken, but that no threats of violence were involved.

On Wednesday, they said they are not linking the case to another attempted burglary in the same village.

No arrests have been made yet in relation to the break-in at Sterling's home.

The FA is yet to reveal exactly what it was told about the incident before Sterling's departure.

BBC

 

[MenInG]

England winger Raheem Sterling is to return to Qatar before Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against France.

The Chelsea player, 28, flew back to England on Sunday following a break-in at his family home in Surrey.

Sterling's spokesperson said he left the England camp to "prioritise the wellbeing" of his three young children.

He missed England's 3-0 win over Senegal in the last 16, but is expected to rejoin the squad in Al Wakrah on Friday, 9 December.

Sterling, who has 81 international caps, scored for England in a 6-2 win against Iran in their opening game at the World Cup.

He also started the goalless draw against the United States before being an unused substitute in the 3-0 win against Wales that saw England qualify for the knockout stages as group winners.

His representative had said Sterling's family was at home on Saturday when there were "armed intruders". The former Liverpool and Manchester City forward was said to be "shaken" and concerned for the wellbeing of his children.

In a statement Surrey police said they were investigating a report of a burglary after the occupants of the house returned to find jewellery and watches had been taken, but that no threats of violence were involved.

On Wednesday, the police said they are not linking the case to another attempted burglary in the same village.

No arrests have been made yet in relation to the break-in at Sterling's home.

The Football Association is yet to reveal exactly what it was told about the incident before Sterling's departure.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Raheem Sterling could face a ban after reportedly appearing to throw an object back into the crowd during Tottenham vs Chelsea on Monday.

 

[BouncerGuy]

I miss playing for England – Sterling

Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling says he misses playing for England because it is "one of the best feelings you can ever have".

The 29-year-old has not played for his country since the 2022 World Cup, when he flew home to attend a family emergency during the tournament in Qatar.

Former Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate left the forward out of multiple squads after that, including his party for Euro 2024.

Southgate resigned following the defeat against Spain in the final and the Football Association is yet to appoint his successor, but Under-21 boss Lee Carsley is expected to take interim charge for the Nations League games in September.

When asked if he misses being around the England camp, Sterling said: "Of course, I love playing for England. It is one of the best feelings you can ever have.

"To see the boys out there brought me joy. To be honest they were the only games I watched - the England ones. I love playing for England.

"I am looking forward to getting back in the England set-up, that is for sure."

Sterling's chances of an England recall by virtue of eye-catching individual performances will be helped if Chelsea improve this season after two years of underachievement since he joined from Manchester City for £50m.

Enzo Maresca, who worked under Pep Guardiola at City, is now Chelsea's manager and Sterling expects him to offer a familiar way of playing.

"[He can get the] best out of me, the best out of the team," he added. "He has come in and stamped his authority, the way he wants to play.

"Yes, some of the results haven't been pleasing but, with the ball, the right information is getting passed on. You can see the patterns coming through.

"It is early days so you can see where we're looking to go. It is a learning process for the whole group and one we are grasping really quickly.

"The Premier League is coming along very soon so I do think there are good times ahead."

Sterling played in all five of Chelsea's friendlies during the pre-season tour of the United States, scoring one goal and providing one assist.

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Sterling wants permanent move as Maresca continues Chelsea clearout

Raheem Sterling wants to leave Chelsea on a permanent basis after being frozen out by Enzo Maresca, who has denied that his treatment of the winger has been “brutal”.

The manager could also move for a new centre-back if Axel Disasi leaves a year after his move to Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea poised for a major clearout before the transfer window shuts next week.

Sterling, who has stayed away from training since being left out against Manchester City on Sunday, is ready to work with the club towards finding a solution after slipping down the pecking order following the arrivals of Pedro Neto and João Félix.

The former Manchester City winger, who is not in the squad for the first leg of the Europa Conference League qualifier against Servette at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, does not want to go on loan or to Saudi Arabia. He has three years left on a deal worth £325,000 a week, and is open to leaving on a permanent basis after joining Ben Chilwell in a group of 15 senior players who are not part of the club’s future.

While Conor Gallagher’s move to Atlético Madrid was confirmed on Wednesday, Chelsea are still trying to make a host of sales and loans. They have faced external criticism and Maresca has grown irritated with suggestions that he is having to work with a bloated squad of 42 players. Outcasts including Trevoh Chalobah, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Romelu Lukaku are training with the development group, while Maresca argued he has been open with Sterling and Chilwell, who are understood to have no chance of playing for the former Leicester manager this season.

“I try to be honest with all of them in this moment, the noise is from outside,” Chelsea’s head coach said. “More than 15 players are training apart, they are not with the team. I spoke with Raheem before [the] Manchester City [game]. I said that he is going to struggle to get minutes with us. With Chilly, I said he is a lovely guy, but with his position, he’s going to struggle with us. It’s not brutal, it’s honest. I am not working with 42 players, I am working with 21 players. It’s not a mess like it looks from outside.”

Chelsea could struggle to find a buyer for Sterling given how much he earns. Sources believe the club’s desire to sell the 29-year-old is partially motivated by finances. Juventus have enquired about the former Liverpool player, who has lost his No 7 shirt at Chelsea to Neto.

It has been another busy summer at Chelsea and their activity is expected to continue despite the arrival of Félix. Maresca wants to sign a striker, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen prominent in the club’s thoughts, and changes in central defence have not been ruled out.

While Chelsea’s squad contains six senior centre-backs, Chalobah is up for sale and Disasi is not in Maresca’s long-term plans. Disasi, who missed much of pre-season after having surgery on a hernia, has not convinced since joining from Monaco for £38.5m last year and has interest from Newcastle. The France international, who made 44 appearances last season, has not looked comfortable with the ball at his feet. There are also doubts over how much Benoît Badiashile will play this season.

Maresca is happy with Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana as his first-choice centre-backs, with Tosin Adarabioyo as the first back-up. But Fofana needs to be managed carefully after returning from a serious knee injury and there is a chance that a new centre-back who can provide more competition and thrive in Maresca’s possession-based system will arrive.

The clock is ticking for Chelsea to find moves for their outcasts. Serious interest in Chilwell is yet to materialise and Carney Chukwuemeka is expected to leave. David Datro Fofana, Ângelo Gabriel and Djordje Petrovic are available, Noni Madueke’s status is uncertain and Armando Broja is set to complete a loan move to Ipswich, who will sign the striker for £30m if they stay up. Bashir Humphreys, the 21-year-old defender, has joined Burnley on loan with an obligation to buy for £12m.

THE GUARDIAN

 

[BouncerGuy]

Arsenal seal late loan move for Chelsea's Sterling

Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling has completed a late transfer deadline day loan move to Premier League rivals Arsenal.

The 29-year-old has agreed a season-long loan with Mikel Arteta's side.

The England international had been told he was not in the plans of new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

"It’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s really exciting," Sterling said of his move.

"It [the move] is one where we kind of left it late but it’s one I was hoping for.

"Looking at everything, I’m just, like, 'This is a perfect fit for me', and I’m super happy that we got it over the line."

Sterling has made 81 appearances for Chelsea and scored 19 goals since joining from Manchester City for £50m in July 2022.

The former Liverpool player was one of the first to arrive at Stamford Bridge following the takeover by co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly.

However, after making 43 appearances in all competitions for the club last season, he was out of the first-team picture under Maresca.

It came after Chelsea had spent more than £200m on 11 signings this summer.

After Sterling was not involved in the Premier League opener against Manchester City, his representatives sought clarity over his future.

The forward had been linked with a move to Manchester United but the possibility of the switch to Arsenal emerged late in the window.

The move sees him link up again with Arteta, who was a coach at Manchester City when Sterling was there.

"I spoke with [sporting director] Edu and I said you can see the real togetherness from Mikel’s time here and you see the journey the boys are on," he added.

"You can see the hunger, and I keep saying again, the togetherness is something I’m looking to be a part of."

Sterling has been capped 82 times by England and was a key player for his country as they finished runners-up at Euro 2020.

However, he has not played for his country since December 2022.

BBC