Raheem Sterling creates UEFA Champions League history after substitute appearance for Arsenal
Raheem Sterling made UEFA Champions League history on Thursday (September 19) when he came off the bench in Arsenal's 0-0 draw against Serie A side Atalanta. The English winger appeared for the fourth English club of his career in Europe's elite club competition.
The 29-year-old came on in the 73rd minute of the Gunners' draw at Gewiss Stadium in Italy. He created history as the only player to play in the UEFA Champions League or European Cup with four different English clubs.
Sterling debuted in the competition at 19, in September 2014, while at Liverpool. He appeared five more times in the tournament for the Merseysiders before joining Manchester City and making 67 appearances, scoring 24 goals and 15 assists.
The 82-cap England international left for Chelsea in 2022 and made a further nine appearances, bagging three goals and one assist. His loan move to Arsenal this past summer allowed him to add to that appearance tally further.
Sterling couldn't help guide the Gunners to victory in Bergamo, and Mikel Arteta's men were somewhat fortunate to come away with a draw. David Raya produced a spectacular double save to deny Mateo Retegui from the penalty spot.
The English attacker went close to setting Gabriel Martinelli up late on, but the Brazilian forward fired high over the bar. The two European sides settled on a stalemate to open their respective Champions League campaigns.
Raheem Sterling could chase another Champions League record at Arsenal
Raheem Sterling also has the opportunity to close down Bayern Munich's Harry Kane on the leaderboard for highest-scoring Englishmen in the competition. The England captain is first with 33 goals, while his former Three Lions teammate sits third with 27 goals.
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney's second-place ranking is under threat from Sterling. The new Arsenal winger is just three goals behind the iconic former striker.
Sterling's European experience could be vital for the Gunners in the Champions League. Although he's never won the competition, he reached the final once and the semi-finals twice with City during his Etihad career.
The Chelsea loanee didn't play in the tournament last season because the Blues were absent from Europe. Following his arrival at the Emirates, Arteta may hand him a bit-part role, but that could come in handy given his knack for scoring vital goals. He could be under consideration to face former club City in the league on Sunday (September 22).