Published
Chelsea forward, Raheem Sterling, has opened up on his summer exit from Manchester City.
According to the 27-year-old, he was unwilling to accept a lack of playing time under Pep Guardiola.
Sterling completed a £50million transfer to Stamford Bridge, ending his seven-year stay at City.
The England international was left out for City’s crucial games last season, including the Champions League semi-final clashes against Real Madrid
“As a person, you strive to achieve,” Sterling told a news conference on Thursday.
“I felt my playing time at City was being limited for different reasons and I couldn’t afford to waste time. When I look back I didn’t want to see a decline and I want to keep that level.
“Since the age of 17, I have been a regular starter. But to get to a peak time in my career to and be playing as regular was something I didn’t want to accept. I tried to fight and change the scenario but it didn’t come.
“At first, I had a few options but this was the one that was tailor-made for my personal goals. It made a lot of sense for my family and with the direction of the club. They have been in four or five finals in the last few years and it made a lot of sense.
“I have a lot of memories and top moments at City but in the year and a bit that I was in and out of the team it made me value a lot of things. It was difficult and my kids went to school there but it’s one of those things in life where you have to make the right decision for yourself and your family.”
