Arsenal winger Raheem Sterling has come in for some criticism since he signed, but he now has a perfect opportunity to prove his doubters wrong.
Sterling endured two difficult years at a chaotic Chelsea side, and found himself exiled from the squad in the summer.
With Arsenal needing a winger and Sterling available on a cheap loan, it was a no-brainer for the 29-year-old to reunite with Mikel Arteta.
Sterling had his most successful period at Manchester City when working alongside the Spaniard, who was Pep Guardiola’s assistant.
The former England star hit incredible heights at the Etihad Stadium, but before he made a name for himself there, he was one of the world’s best prospects at Liverpool.
Why Arsenal star Raheem Sterling left Liverpool in 2015
Sterling was just 20 when he was regarded as one of the world’s best attacking talents at Liverpool. Luis Suarez had departed in 2014, but the Englishman stepped up as their main star in the front line.
Liverpool were disappointing in the 2014-15 season after Brendan Rodgers had nearly won the title a year before, and finished in sixth place.
Club legend Steven Gerrard moved on to LA Galaxy in MLS, and it was clear that Liverpool were entering a transitional period.
Man City were challenging for the title, and they were heavily interested in Sterling, who wanted the move in order to win trophies. With Sterling refusing to go on Liverpool’s pre-season tour, Gerrard expressed his disappointment in the winger.
“You don’t have to throw in illness, or refuse to go on tour. There are millions of Liverpool fans waiting to see Raheem pull on a Liverpool shirt,” Gerrard stated in July 2015.
“It looks very disappointing from where I’m sitting. The fans have shown him great support, they want him to stay and I believe that he should too.
“The only way I can see for him is out at the moment.
“It’s very difficult for me to sit here and support him and the team around him – what they’re trying to do with his career at a young age.
“It’ll be a terrible shame if he goes somewhere and doesn’t kick on as a player.”
Raheem Sterling proved Steven Gerrard wrong at Manchester City
Sterling received heavy criticism for deciding to leave Liverpool in favour of Man City, but he was vindicated in his decision.
The winger enjoyed incredible success at City, scoring 131 goals and providing 73 assists in 339 appearances, and won 10 major trophies, including four Premier League titles.
Gerrard’s concern was that Sterling would not kick on as a youngster moving to a competitive team at Man City, but he made himself a starter and a key figure alongside other world-class stars.
Raheem Sterling now aiming for success at Arsenal
Sterling has had a difficult few years since leaving Man City, but he will still hope to continue proving Liverpool wrong.
The attacker will aim to help Arsenal beat both his former clubs to the Premier League title, as a rotational option on both wings.
Sterling started in the absence of Bukayo Saka whilst his teammate was injured, but it has taken some time for the winger to settle.
However, Arteta will hope to get the best out of Sterling again, and if he can regain his mojo, he can potentially win a fifth Premier League title on the 10th anniversary of his Liverpool exit.
Sterling has already won the trophies he desired when he left Liverpool, but he will now want to win them with Arsenal alongside Arteta again.
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