‘I am here to win it’ – Chelsea big-money signing aims silverware at Chelsea
Chelsea latest summer signing, Raheem Sterling, says losing his starting lineup at Manchester City last season was a “huge surprise” and that he is eyeing Champions League success with the Blues.
With Pep Guardiola unable to lead the Citizens to victory in the competition thus far, the Blues won the European Championship for the second time in the club’s history in 2020–21 under current head coach Thomas Tuchel, a trophy Sterling has never won.
Nine years after the Citizens won it for the first time in 2011-12, West London giant defeated them in the final, and the England international forward was on the losing side—a sensation he had not experienced since moving to the Etihad Stadium from Liverpool back in 2015.
The 27-year-old forward played a key role for City throughout their dominance of English football, contributing to their four Premier League titles, five League Cup victories, and FA Cup victory.
The England international, who spent the majority of the previous season on the bench, made the decision to sign a £47.5 million agreement to join the Blues this summer.
‘It was a big surprise [losing his starting role],’ Sterling said. ‘A massive surprise. A change of events all of a sudden.
‘It’s something I had to handle, and that’s why I’m here. The manager, myself, and the people at the club know exactly what the reasons were.
West London giants Raheem Sterling aims to be leader on making a return to London as ‘grown adult’
‘I tried to play my football and overcome the situation, but it couldn’t be done. So I had to move on.
‘I haven’t played Champions League football with Chelsea yet. They have obviously won it. I haven’t. They have got bragging rights.
‘But again, I am here to try to win it. I don’t know if I am better off here or there [at Man City] – it is not really my forte.
‘I will just go out and try to help the team as I do every season.’