Words from Mikel Arteta after the English winger was loaned by Chelsea to Arsenal at the close of the transfer window, at a time when he was training separately from the rest of the "Blues" squad.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, provided glowing remarks about Raheem Sterling’s attitude and readiness in a press conference this Friday.
The English winger, who joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea at the close of the summer transfer window, has quickly made an impression. Sterling’s move came after he was sidelined at Chelsea, where coach Enzo Maresca made it clear that the winger was not part of his plans. As a result, Sterling was training separately from the rest of the squad before securing his loan move to the Emirates.
Sterling’s arrival at Arsenal is seen as a significant boost for the team, with the player eager to prove that he still has what it takes to perform at the highest level in English football. Having previously shined for Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea, Sterling is now set on showcasing his talent in an Arsenal shirt. Arteta, in his press conference ahead of the highly anticipated North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur, expressed his belief in Sterling’s quality and determination, praising his enthusiasm and professionalism.
During the press conference, Arteta highlighted the winger’s infectious energy and eagerness to succeed. "He looks great. First of all, because he has a big smile on his face and a lot of energy," Arteta said, noting that Sterling’s presence in training has been uplifting for the team. "He’s working hard and wants to prove something. When someone has that fire in their belly, you can feel it immediately," he added, emphasizing the winger’s desire to make an impact.
Sterling’s loan move to Arsenal is not just about finding a new team; it’s about revitalizing his career after a difficult period at Chelsea. Arteta acknowledged that Sterling’s hunger to prove himself is clear in everything he does. "What I see in him is hunger. He’s a player who wants to play every minute of every game. When that doesn’t happen, he’s not happy," Arteta explained, underscoring Sterling’s competitive nature and love for the game. "He loves football; it’s something he enjoys doing every day, and I see that."
Sterling’s reputation as one of England’s most talented wingers is well-established, but his time at Chelsea was marked by inconsistency and frustration. Arteta, however, is confident that Sterling’s arrival will provide Arsenal with a much-needed boost in attacking options. "His commitment, quality, and the level of energy he’s bringing to the team is a big boost," Arteta said. The Arsenal manager was quick to point out that Sterling’s mere presence has already had a positive effect on the squad. "You can feel it in the players when he walks through the door we are better with him," Arteta added, making it clear that Sterling’s influence extends beyond his performances on the pitch.
Arteta went on to reflect on his first conversations with Sterling before the deal was completed. According to the Arsenal manager, it didn’t take long to realize that the winger was the right fit for his team. "After the first conversation I had with him, I knew within ten seconds that we had to sign him because he really wanted it," Arteta revealed. Sterling’s determination to join Arsenal and make a fresh start was evident from the outset, and it convinced Arteta that the player could make a significant contribution to the team’s ambitions this season.
Sterling’s track record speaks for itself. At Manchester City, he was a key figure in their multiple Premier League titles and their dominant run in English football. His pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal made him one of the league’s standout performers during his time at the Etihad. Even though his time at Chelsea didn’t go as planned, Sterling still managed to score 10 goals and provide eight assists in 43 matches during the 2022-23 season a respectable return considering the difficulties he faced.
As Arsenal prepares for the North London Derby, all eyes will be on how Sterling integrates into Arteta’s tactical setup. The match against Tottenham is always a high-pressure fixture, and having a player with Sterling’s experience and pedigree could be crucial. Arteta has been working hard to mold Arsenal into a team capable of challenging for the Premier League title, and adding a player of Sterling’s caliber gives the squad an extra edge.
The North London Derby itself is more than just a regular league game it’s a fiercely contested rivalry between two of England’s biggest clubs, and both teams will be looking to make a statement. For Sterling, it offers an immediate opportunity to show his new supporters what he can do and to contribute to one of the most important matches of Arsenal’s season.
While Sterling’s arrival is a focal point, Arteta is also managing a squad that has seen several key players return from injury. Gabriel Jesus, for example, has been working his way back to full fitness, and his availability could add another dimension to Arsenal’s attack. Arteta hinted that Jesus could feature if he comes through Saturday’s training session unscathed. Balancing the inclusion of Sterling with the return of Jesus will give Arsenal a potent mix of attacking options heading into the derby.
In conclusion, Arteta’s faith in Raheem Sterling is clear. The manager sees Sterling as a player who can make an immediate and significant impact on the team, bringing not just his technical skills but also his determination and hunger to succeed. As the derby approaches, Arsenal fans will be eager to see their new signing in action, with the hope that Sterling can rediscover the form that made him one of the Premier League’s top wingers and help Arsenal in their pursuit of success this season.
