Raheem Sterling, a standout for Chelsea, will play his first game at the Etihad Stadium since leaving Manchester City in the summer.
Raheem Sterling’s return to the Etihad Stadium is expected to be greeted with enthusiasm by Manchester City fans, according to Pep Guardiola. The Carabao Cup third round match between City and Chelsea is scheduled for Wednesday, November 9, and the Blues talisman will be eager to play against his former team.
Sterling signed a five-year contract and paid £47.5 million to move to Stamford Bridge in the summer. The England international said that, having reached the final 12 months of his contract, he was first “fuming” and “raging” by the treatment he experienced at City before to his departure.
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Guardiola is however optimistic that City supporters would be kind to the winger despite the unfortunate conclusion to Sterling’s time at the team. The Chelsea winger was one of many players that departed the team for new horizons in the summer, along with Gabriel Jesus and Zinchenko, who joined Arsenal.
Prior to the match against Graham Potter’s team, the Spaniard spoke to the media and said: “I owe them everyone, but especially these boys, a great deal of thanks. Hats off to them for all they have done for this club.
Before being asked if he believes Sterling will be greeted warmly upon his return, Guardiola replied, “Thank you so much and I wish him the best and hopefully he’s happy there. “Absolutely, I hope so.
“I always appreciate it when the clubs embrace the people who have been a part of our squad for many years, have been significant players, and have been around for a long time. You may have forgotten recent events, but they do not accurately reflect what took place while he was here over the course of six or seven years.
He is more than welcome to return, of course, and he deserves it. We want to defeat them before the game begins, but he must undoubtedly receive a favorable reception. In England, everyone values that.
The following question focused on Guardiola’s connection with Sterling. The city manager said: “For six years, we worked together every day while also playing a ton of games. The Champions League final, where he was present, may have been the most significant game we ever played. We are delighted if he is happy.”
This season, Sterling has appeared 18 games for Chelsea and has directly assisted seven goals. Although he has recently battled with his form, the forward has shown a lot of promise and will be eager to celebrate his return to City with a strong showing.