One of Newcastle’s fantasy targets Raheem Sterling said he is open to leaving Manchester City if it means he would get more time on the pitch. With Newcastle United having been bought by the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund it has been suggested that 26-year-old England star Sterling could be a target for the new owners. The winger is a regular for England but lost his place in the City team, starting only two games so far this season. As a result, he said he is open to a transfer. He told the FT Business of Sport US Summit on Thursday
Raheem Sterling said: “If there was an opportunity to go somewhere else I would be open to this at this point in time.”
However, that was the end of the encouraging news for newly rich Newcastle, with Sterling adding that he dreams of playing abroad.
Raheem Sterling said: “As an English player all I know is the Premier League and I have always thought one day I would love to play abroad and come up against that challenge. I actually should be learning a few different languages. I quite like the French accent and Spanish.”
City manager Pep Guardiola has said that Sterling is still an important part of his squad, but has been reluctant to pick him this season. Sterling responded to his situation at the summit
Raheem Sterling said: “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, score goals regularly.”
Sterling’s Manchester City contract expires in 2023.