Manchester City star Raheem Sterling reveals he never thought about joining Arsenal this summer because Pep Guardiola had assured him of his place

  • Raheem Sterling insists he never thought of moving away from Manchester City 
  • The forward revealed Pep Guardiola assured him of regular football this season 
  • Sterling was a potential target for Arsenal as City looked to sign Alexis Sanchez
  • City are top of the Premier League after a stunning 7-2 victory over Stoke

Raheem Sterling claimed he paid no attention to interest from Arsenal because Pep Guardiola had already assured him of his place in Manchester City's team.

Arsene Wenger asked about Sterling's availability late on in the transfer window as City's efforts to land Alexis Sanchez intensified.

But Sterling knew Guardiola had no intention of letting him leave after discussions before the season started.

Raheem Sterling insists he never thought about a move away from Manchester City 

Raheem Sterling insists he never thought about a move away from Manchester City 

The England international said boss Pep Guardiola (pictured) had promised first team football 

The England international said boss Pep Guardiola (pictured) had promised first team football 

'I didn't need to speak with him because I'd already spoken with him,' Sterling said ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Napoli.


'I woke up one day with England, heard it and didn't believe it. He's an honest guy and I didn't need to worry about it.

'I've signed for five years and have two and a half left. I'm with a great manager and great team. I keep growing, learning.

'The manager's been massive, especially with the basic and simple stuff. He gets you to do the simple things at the top level. It works.'

Sterling has seven goals for City already this term - his best haul in a season is 11 - but often finds himself on the end of unfair criticism.

Sterling will hope his goalscoring form will continue in the midweek Champions League tie 

Sterling will hope his goalscoring form will continue in the midweek Champions League tie 

City are currently top of the Premier League after a stunning 7-2 victory over Stoke 

City are currently top of the Premier League after a stunning 7-2 victory over Stoke 

The 22-year-old also admitted to having spent too much time worrying about comments on social media. 

'In my first year here I used to always be on Instagram, you see stuff pop up and check it out because you don't know any better. Since I have been getting those negative comments, I realise the best thing is not to look at it so it won't affect you. 

'I just need to continue focusing on getting into goal scoring areas. The majority come inside the box and I'm always trying to improve on the year before.

'I just want to get in the box and get into double figures. I'm just trying to see the game and get on the end of stuff.'