“The new manager would’ve watched him” - Former Chelsea star calls out Raheem Sterling over failed Stamford Bridge stint
Former Arsenal and Chelsea star William Gallas believes that Raheem Sterling should take a majority of the blame for his failed Stamford Bridge spell. The winger moved to the Blues in 2022 for a reported €56.2 million fee following a trophy-laden seven years at Manchester City.
The former Liverpool star registered 131 goals and 73 assists in 339 games for the Cityzens, cementing himself as a modern-day club icon. The Blues signed him when he was arguably still in his prime, but he never really got going in west London.
Sterling scored 19 goals and laid out 12 assists in 81 games across his two seasons at Chelsea and was loaned out to Arsenal on deadline day this summer. The move came as a surprise to many; the Blues, after all, allowed an 82-cap England international to join arguably their biggest rivals.
Gallas, who himself swapped Chelsea for Arsenal in 2006, believes it isn't Enzo Maresca's fault that Sterling had to leave Stamford Bridge this season. The Frenchman told Gambling Zone (via GOAL):
"Sometimes players need to blame themselves when things don’t work out at their club. Raheem Sterling was in the situation that he was at Chelsea because he didn’t perform for two years.
"He didn’t score or create enough goals and the new manager would’ve watched him and made the decision that he doesn’t want him in his squad, that’s not the manager’s fault."
Sterling hasn't played at all this season, and it remains to be seen if he will make his Arsenal debut in their league clash against Tottenham Hotspur on September 15.
Raheem Sterling 'relishing the challenge' that awaits him at Arsenal
Arsenal have signed a versatile forward in Raheem Sterling given his ability to play across the frontline, much like Leandro Trossard and even Gabriel Martinelli. Mikel Arteta will now be hoping he has enough depth and quality in his team to finally take them over the line in the Premier League title race.
The Gunners have, of course, finished runners-up in the last two league campaigns. Sterling would know what it takes to win the ultimate title in English football, given he won it four times at the Etihad.
Speaking about the challenge that awaits him at the Emirates, the 29-year-old said earlier this month (via Premier League's official website):
"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. Each year you want to get better and do better than the previous year.
"Hopefully I can gel really well with the boys and get going... 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."
Arteta's team currently sit fourth in the table after winning two games and drawing their most recent league match 1-1 against Brighton & Hove Albion.