Arsenal’s deadline day signing Raheem Sterling expressed his admiration for the Gunners long before signing for the club.
Mikel Arteta and Edu left it late to secure Sterling’s signature on deadline day, capturing the 29-year-old on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
Given the timing of the Englishman’s arrival, fans are yet to see what the winger can offer to Arsenal’s squad, with all eyes on the North London derby after the international break.
Sterling’s training performances have looked impressive, giving some an insight into what he could bring to Arteta’s side, with the four-time Premier League winner now in the right place to thrive.
- READ MORE: Raheem Sterling reveals why he’s been closely ‘watching’ Arsenal boss Arteta since he left Man City
What Raheem Sterling once said about Arsenal
Sterling described Arsenal as ‘a perfect fit’ for him upon signing for the club, something that can be reinforced by former comments made by the winger.
In 2018, the England international penned a powerful piece for The Players Tribune, detailing his career and personal life up to that date.
Interestingly, one segment of the column has resurfaced, as the 29-year-old mentioned Arsenal when touching upon his childhood experiences of being scouted in London.
“When I was 10 or 11, I was getting scouted by some big clubs in London,” Sterling explained.
“Fulham wanted me. Arsenal wanted me. And when Arsenal want you, of course you’re thinking you gotta go there. Biggest club in London, you know? So I’m running around telling my mates, “I’m off to the Arsenal!”
It’s a boyhood admission that has come back to warm the hearts of Arsenal fans, as the winger fulfilled his childhood wish of playing for the Gunners almost two decades down the line.
At the time of him being scouted, it was the forward’s mother who decided against a move to North London, seeing him instead enrol in QPR’s academy.
“My Mum is a proper warrior. She knows how to make it in this world. She’s probably the most streetwise person I know. She sat me down one day, and she said, “Look, I love you. But I don’t feel you should go to Arsenal.”
Sterling and Arsenal seem right
Despite being yet to make an appearance for Arsenal, and having ties to Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool, Sterling seems to have been accepted warmly by fans.
The Englishman has already expressed his delight at calling the Emirates his home for the year, with supporters acting similarly over the season-long loan deal.
- READ MORE: Raheem Sterling is now ready to start in surprise position against Tottenham in North London Derby
Sterling comes at an exciting time in Arteta’s project, with the squad crying out for competition on the flanks and some added experience within the side.
Having won four Premier League medals at City, and being an established goalscorer in the English top flight, Arsenal seem to have made the perfect last-gasp acquisition in Sterling, with the player handed a similarly thrilling opportunity in North London.
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