Pablo Zabaleta has refused to refer to Raheem Sterling as a Manchester City legend while criticising the winger for his conduct following his high-profile move to Chelsea.
Sterling left City after seven-and-a-half trophy-laden seasons earlier this summer to join Premier League rivals Chelsea for a fee which could rise as high as £50million. The 27-year-old swiftly jetted out to the United States to link up with his new team-mates and partake in the club's pre-season tour.
The England international has already endeared himself to Blues supporters while enraging City fans after appearing to refuse to sign a shirt of his former club. Following the episode, ex-City star Zabaleta has taken aim at Sterling over his conduct since his departure while insisting he cannot be considered a legend at the Manchester club.
"For me, when you say a legend, for me [Sergio] Aguero, [David] Silva, [Vincent] Kompany, those guys are on a different level," the Argentine told Sky Sports. "That's why that they are having statues outside of the club.
"But Raheem, he's been great. We wish him, of course, all the best. It seems that obviously he's with one of them that's a big contender for the Premier League. As I say, I just wish him all the best, he's a great lad.
"But Man City is always the most important thing for the fans, for the players, and when you come to this club, you have to give 100 per cent respect and the moment that you leave you always need to talk nicely to the club you've been playing for. I wish he could behave in that way."
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Announcing his recent departure, Sterling issued a heartfelt statement thanking City and the club's staff for their impact on his career while insisting it was "an honour" to wear the team's shirt. He wrote: "Seven seasons. Eleven major trophies. A lifetime of memories.
"To the coaching staff who have played a massive role in my development over the years. To my teammates who have become more than just those I share a pitch with.
"To the backroom staff. To the office staff. To the fans who have tirelessly supported the team. And to everyone involved with Manchester City, my respect for you couldn't be greater.
"What a ride it's been. I am thankful for the ups and downs, as it's the downs that have, at times, tested my strength and resolve, and enabled me to stand here in front of you as the best possible version of myself.
"I arrived in Manchester a 20-year-old, today I leave as a man. Thank you for your endless support. It's been an honour to wear the shirt of Manchester City."
After joining from Liverpool under controversial circumstances back in the summer of 2015, Sterling went on to score 131 goals in 337 games for City. He departs having helped the club lift 11 major trophies, including four Premier League titles.
