Raheem Sterling boldly shared his conviction that City’s coaches and fans helped him during his tenure at the Etihad as the news was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that it was time to bid adieu to his beloved club after seven years at Manchester City.
A slew of football headlines over the past few weeks had centred around the future of the 27-year-old England star, whose one year remaining contract with City contract had not been renewed. Numerous reports emerged last week multiple claiming that Sterling had agreed personal terms with Chelsea, before the news surfaced this week that City and the west London club had indeed mutually agreed to a £47.5 deal for the winger.
Sterling himself took the initiative to confirm on Wednesday his departure before Chelsea could announce the signing themselves. It’s a done deal.
The reasons for Sterling deciding not to sign a new contract at City and instead seek pastures new are more than meet the eye with the desire for more guaranteed minutes being central to his desire to leave as no player is guaranteed of a start in Pep Guardiola’s first XI. Unfortunately for Sterling, his inconsistent form over the past couple of seasons has seen him more often than not warming the bench for some of the biggest games.
Added to that are also the rumblings of a falling out with Guardiola, besides the hunger for a new challenge. However, regardless of the actual reasons why, Sterling has indubitably handled his exit with absolute class and dignity. Breaking the news with full diplomacy and tact regarding his departure to City fans on his own personal social media channels, even before Chelsea could make a blast with their own announcement, showed the immeasurable respect and esteem Sterling holds for City and their supporters.
The part about his letter that tugged particularly at the heart’s strings was where he voiced his heartfelt thanks and gratitude to those who have helped him on his City journey.
“To the coaching staff who have played a massive role in my development over the years. To my teammates who have become more than just those I share a pitch with, to the backroom staff, to the office staff, to the fans who have tirelessly supported the team and to everyone involved with Manchester City, my respect for you couldn’t be greater.”
Sterling’s kind words are a typical reflection of how he had always conducted himself while at City, and is more significantly an invaluable insight as to why so many players are clamoring to join City and, in numerous cases, even make clear sacrifices to do so.
Sterling most certainly hit the right tenor in thanking City’s coaching staff — despite not mentioning Guardiola directly — for aiding his development as a player. Assuredly for top players City have become synonymous with being the place to go if they desire to further develop and become better players.
Despite the obvious lure of winning silverware being a huge draw, the opportunity to vastly improve and develop under super coach Guardiola is something that persuaded the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Stefan Ortega to join this summer, besides numerous others in previous summers.
Sterling also hinted at the camaraderie he enjoyed with his teammates off the pitch, which is a warm tribute to the extremely warm and appealing ambience City have created in their dressing room where there’s obviously not even a hint of any fractures or toxicity, unlike in the other dressing room at the other end of Manchester.
Last but not least, Sterling addressed the City supporters, hailing them as an equally appealing factor. Unlike some other rival fanbases which could be garrulous and likely to turn ballistic at any moment, match-goers at the Etihad are always fully behind their team even on the worst of days crippled by poor performances. As Sterling mentions in his letter, he was able to endure his fair share of adversity and tough moments while at the club with City’s fans always motivating him to push on and hold his head up.
It is nonetheless sad to see City losing a player blessed with Sterling’s unique talents and demeanor.
There is no doubt whatsoever that the Blues will be benefitting most from the football skills and attitude of this awesome player.