New Arsenal forward Raheem Sterling has revealed his expectations of working with Mikel Arteta again after their time together at Man City
After a challenging period at Chelsea, Raheem Sterling is eager to rediscover his top form through a reunion with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. Sterling’s unexpected deadline-day loan move to the Gunners reunites him with his former coach, a partnership that many wouldn’t have anticipated at the start of the summer transfer window.
Sterling has expressed his admiration for Arteta, who has transformed Arsenal into a consistent title contender since taking charge in 2019. In an interview with Arsenal’s official website, Sterling praised his new boss, saying, “He’s a top guy, a top character.”
Reflecting on his previous experience with Arteta at Manchester City, Sterling added, “I’ve been watching his journey because I spent some time with him at Manchester City, and to see him come in here and stamp his mark on this amazing football club, with this amazing history, it says a lot about him and the great job he is doing here.”
Sterling emphasised the strong team spirit at Arsenal, noting, “You can see the real togetherness, the journey that the boys are on, and the hunger. The togetherness is something I’m looking to be a part of. I’m really excited. There are always challenges and this is another challenge. It’s one that I’m relishing and I’ll really go out there and do my thing.”
Sterling and Arteta are no strangers to each other, having worked together at Manchester City between 2016 and 2019. During that time, City won two Premier League titles, with Sterling playing some of his best football under Arteta and Pep Guardiola’s coaching team. This successful period stands in stark contrast to Sterling’s tenure at Stamford Bridge, where he found himself sidelined as Chelsea entered the new season.
Arsenal’s late move for Sterling could prove crucial as they aim to dethrone reigning Premier League champions Manchester City. Reflecting on the transfer, Sterling said, “I’m buzzing. It’s one where we 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.”
Raheem Sterling sees Arsenal as the ideal environment to reignite his career, stating, “It’s a perfect fit for myself to be at a football club like this, where you can see that hunger, that desire. Year on year, they are pushing and pushing and pushing. That’s exactly how I am as a person.”
With his sights set on a fresh start, Sterling is ready to contribute to Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title, eager to leave his Chelsea struggles behind and thrive under Arteta’s guidance.