Raheem Sterling has stated that he would like to leave Manchester City due to a lack of playing time, following speculation that Arsenal and Newcastle United are both eager to sign him.
Sterling’s contract expires in 2023 and he may leave for free, thus City is rumored to be open to selling him in January or next summer.
Speaking to the Financial Times Business of Sports US summit on Thursday, Sterling said: ‘If there was the option to go somewhere else for more game time I would be open to it.
‘As I said football is the most important thing to me. Challenges that I have set myself from a young age and dreams as well.’
He went on to explain his current situation.: ‘I’m not a person that’s going to complain. I’ve not tried to make it a bigger deal than it actually is. I get on with my work. Do what I need to do. And I’m just raring to go. Playing football matches regularly. Scoring goals regularly.
‘From a young child, football has been the most important thing in my life. My most happiest I should say. When I play football that is where I get my happiness from. And, of course, with family as well but football for me has a special place in my heart.’
‘With everything that comes with football, money, being able to do nice things… at the end of the day, if football for me is not at a certain standard I’m not really at my happiest. If I want my happiness at a certain level I need to be playing football. I need to be scoring goals and enjoying myself.’