Raheem Sterling aims Champions League glory with Chelsea and says it was a “huge surprise” to lose his starting spot to Manchester City last season.
Chelsea became European champions for the second time in club history in 2020-21 under current boss Thomas Tuchel, a trophy Sterling never won as Pep Guardiola was unable to guide his side to glory in the competition so far.
Chelsea beat City in that final – nine years after first winning it in 2011-12 – with Sterling on the losing side, a feeling he’s not used to since moving to the Etihad Stadium in 2015 from Liverpool.
The 27-year-old was a key player at City as they dominated English football, helping them win four Premier League titles, five League Cups and the FA Cup.
However, the England international was benched for much of last season and decided to join Chelsea in the summer in a £47.5m deal.
‘It was a big surprise [losing his starting role]” Sterling said. ‘A huge surprise. A sudden change of events.
“It’s something I had to deal with, and that’s why I’m here. The manager, myself and the people at the club know exactly what the reasons were.
“I tried to play football and get over the situation, but it couldn’t be done. So I had to move on.
“I haven’t played Champions League football with Chelsea yet. They obviously won it. I haven’t. They have bragging rights.
“But again, I’m here to try and win it. I don’t know if I’m better here or there [at Man City] – it’s not really my forte.
“I’m just going to go out and try to help the team like I do every season.”
Meanwhile, Sterling has sent a message to boss Tuchel about his best position at Chelsea.
The Blues are back in action on Sunday when they host London rivals Tottenham.
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