Raheem Sterling has stated that he is ‘open’ to leave Manchester City in order to receive more playing time, with a move abroad appealing to the England striker in particular. Having to watch as players like Ferran Torres and new recruit Jack Grealish shine under Pep Guardiola, this season Sterling appears to have fallen out of favour at the Etihad Stadium.
The England star has only made two Premier League starts this season, with occasional substitute appearances in the other games despite having a fantastic summer at Euro 2020, where he scored three goals and earned a position in the team of the tournament.
Speaking at the FT Business of Sport US Summit in New York, Sterling revealed that he would consider a move away from City in the future: “If there was an opportunity to go somewhere else, I’d be open to it at this moment in time. As an English player, all I know is the Premier League. I’ve always known that maybe one day, I would love to play abroad and see how I would come up against that challenge.”
The Manchester City attacker suggested that Spain or France would be his favourite destinations, a statement that will undoubtedly pique the curiosity of PSG and Real Madrid, according to the Financial Times. Sterling emphasized that he is not the kind to moan about his lack of playing time despite his obvious dissatisfaction.
“I’m not a person that’s going to complain. I’ve not tried to make it a bigger deal than it actually is. I get on with my work, do what I need to do, and I’m just raring to go. [Ready to be] playing football matches regularly. Scoring goals regularly. If football for me is not at a certain standard I’m not really at my happiest. If I want my happiness at a certain level I need to be playing football. I need to be scoring goals. And enjoying myself.”
