Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has responded to claims he could bring Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling back to the Etihad Stadium.
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Guardiola asked about Sterling returnMan City boss feels 'so attached' to wingerDenies Sterling will return as no transfers expectedGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Sterling left Manchester City for Chelsea in the summer of 2022 as he felt his importance in Guardiola's squad deteriorating. After two rather mediocre seasons with the Blues, the England international has been told by new boss Enzo Maresca that he is not in the plans of the club going forward. As such, Sterling is looking for a new club and it has been loosely suggested that the 29-year-old winger could return to the Etihad like Ilkay Gundogan, who rejoined the eight-time Premier League champions, just a year after leaving them.
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When asked whether Sterling could return to Manchester City, Guardiola responded: "He's a Chelsea player, absolutely. I feel so attached to the time we lived together with Raheem [Sterling], and Enzo [Maresca]. So I just wish him all the best, but he’s of course, a Chelsea player."
Manchester CityTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Following the announcement of Gundogan's return to the club, Guardiola was also asked whether any more signings should be expected before the end of the summer window, to which he responded in the negative unless there was a surprise offer or an injury in the squad.
He said: "I don’t know. I don’t think so. I don’t know what’s going to happen, maybe something happens in terms of injuries – hopefully not – or the market provides something unexpected that financially suits, or tactically. Right now I don’t think so."
WHAT NEXT FOR STERLING?
The winger has been linked with three clubs over a move before the end of the summer transfer window on August 30: Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Juventus. It will remain to be seen which club can go through with the signing as Sterling's wages are said to be a massive obstacle.