Raheem Sterling has confirmed that a lack of playing time was the reason behind his Manchester City departure this summer.
Sterling left City for Chelsea in a £47million move earlier in the transfer window, after spending the last seven years of his career at the Etihad. Sterling was a major player in no less than nine major trophy triumphs for the Blues as they became England's dominant club.
However, he slipped down Pep Guardiola's pecking order towards the end of his tenure at City, with the emergence of Phil Foden and the arrival of Jack Grealish adding further competition alongside the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus before he also left for London. So many excellent options for such limited places in the team meant someone was bound to be disappointed with their lack of minutes and Sterling proved to be the unlucky one.
ALSO READ: Bernardo Silva insight into Man City training shows why he should snub Barcelona interest
The 27-year-old has now revealed that it was a key reason for his wish to leave for Stamford Bridge. "The move came about because as a person you strive to achieve stuff," he said.
"I felt my playing time at Man City was getting limited and you can't afford to waste that time. I didn't want to see my time rising and falling so I made the change. I tried to fight and change the situation but I couldn't and I came here."
"Chelsea have been in four or five finals in recent years. It shows they are competing and are only going up so with the new owners in it all made sense."
Sterling also explained what new manager Thomas Tuchel wants to see of him at Chelsea. He added: "He said he wanted my directness and how I run in behind as well as how I attack the full-backs which is something he wants to see a lot more of."
ALSO READ:
