Raheem Sterling sends message to Arsenal and Chelsea fans after shock move

Raheem Sterling issued a clear message to Arsenal and Chelsea fans after completing a shock loan move between the two Premier League rivals.

Sterling will spend the rest of the 2024-25 season on loan at Arsenal after being banished by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

Maresca informed Sterling, both privately and publicly, that he had no future at Stamford Bridge, leaving the 29-year-old just a few days to find a new club.

Even on deadline day it appeared as though Sterling may be forced to stay at Chelsea but he completed a late move across London, joining an Arsenal team that have aspirations of winning their first Premier League title since 2004.

‘People like to talk, don’t they? Well so do I,’ Sterling said in a video uploaded to Arsenal’s social media accounts. ‘And I’ll say this, you’re about to see the best of me.’

The former Manchester City and Liverpool winger added: ‘It’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s really exciting. I’m buzzing.

‘It’s 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 we got it over the line.

‘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.

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

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

Confirming Sterling’s loan move to Arsenal, Chelsea said in a short statement: ‘Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling has completed a season-long loan move to Arsenal.

‘Raheem joined the Blues from Manchester City in the summer of 2022 and has scored 19 goals across 81 appearances.

‘He will now spend the remainder of the campaign at the Emirates. Good luck, Raheem.’

Sterling’s move shocked ex-Premier League star Michael Brown, who expects Sterling to thrive at Arsenal despite his struggles at Chelsea.

‘Nothing surprises me in football anymore but I can’t actually believe that the Raheem Sterling deal is happening,’ he said on BBC Radio 5 Live. ‘Chelsea are letting him go to Arsenal. 

‘He has the experience of winning titles, when he walks into the dressing room they will know what he is about.

‘It’s a really, really good positive signing. He may need time to get into the team, but first he just needs to get up and running.

‘Arsenal’s supporters had been left wondering if they were going to sign Raheem Sterling. Will that impact the title race?’

The move sees Sterling reunite with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who he enjoyed a fruitful relationship with while their pair were at Manchester City.

‘My time with Raheem was exceptional,’ Arteta said when asked about Sterling’s situation in a press conference last week.

‘We built a really strong relationship together. He was unbelievable at that time.

‘He taught me a lot as well, about individuals, how the players think, how we help them and support them. He is someone I have really strong feelings about.’

While the late nature of his move means he will not feature in Arsenal’s 12.30pm kick-off against Brighton on Saturday, Sterling is expected to be presented to the home fans before the match.

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