Manchester City

Manchester City

Premier League • England

Raheem Sterling says he won’t be ‘selfish’ as Man City contract talk pops up

Raheem Sterling Man City press conference April 2022

Raheem Sterling refused to discuss his future ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid and denied having to change his game at the club.

After signing from Liverpool in controversial circumstances in a £49m deal in July 2015 he has gone on to win eight major trophies. Things have not turned out too bad for the 27-year-old, who has also lodged himself in the England team.

But the England forward’s current deal at the Etihad Stadium is due to expire at the end of next season.

There has been plenty of talk about Sterling heading to Spain and testing himself in LaLiga. But he refused to entertain the talk on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference, Sterling said: “At this period it would be selfish to speak of any contract situation. We’ll see how it goes.”

Sterling said his full focus was on the clash with the Spanish giants as City, beaten finalists last year, look to take another step towards a first Champions League crown.

He said: “Every season it’s always a challenge. It’s the one we’ve not got our hands on and we’re focusing on.

“It’s a special competition, every young player wants to be here. Every time I play I do my best, the music and atmosphere is always special.

“As a forward, I want to be playing, scoring, assisting. Contributing is massive, that’s how you get confidence. I’m happy to get a part of the team.”

No change for Sterling

Asked if his role under Pep Guardiola had changes he said: “I wouldn’t say I’ve had to change, it’s been the same from starting here. The squad has changed, but I’ve not had to change my game.”

Sterling has had to contend with being ousted from Guardiola’s team on a number of occasions this term. He has made 20 starts in the Premier League and has been used as a sub on a number of occasions.

Asked if he change anything to get back into team, he said: “It’s a team full of quality players, it makes me thrive.

Sterling, Mahrez and Jesus making Man City wait - Exclusive

Sterling, Mahrez and Jesus making Man City wait - Exclusive

Manchester City forwards Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus are all holding out for new contracts as they only have 1 year left

 

“If they’re performing, I try to keep playing, scoring. Sometimes you have to understand there’s a lot of good players in the team.”

Defensive issues

Man City could have defensive issues for Tuesday’s first leg at the Etihad Stadium with England internationals John Stones and Kyle Walker both doubtful with injuries.

Guardiola said: “We have a training session this afternoon and we will see how the players who have doubts are.”

Guardiola is expecting two intense games against the LaLiga leaders.

He said: “We will try to be ourselves, compete well. We need to play two exceptional games to reach the final. It is not necessary to say how good Real Madrid are.”

Real have been crowned European champions a record 13 times but Guardiola has played down the significance of history ahead of the game.

He said: “If we have to compete with their history, we don’t have any chance. It speaks for itself.

“The history is there, we can’t change it, but it’s 11 against 11 with one ball moving. The players decide their decision-making.”

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