Terry defends Sterling ambition
The ESPN FC panel respond to the reports suggesting Raheem Sterling’s move to Manchester City next season.
ESPN FC’s Gab Marcotti discusses Raheem Sterling’s future with Liverpool, where he does not feel Manchester City will spend the maximum amount for him.
The ESPN FC panel debate which club would be best for Liverpool’s, seemingly departing, Raheem Sterling, or whether or not he should remain at Liverpool.
Chelsea captain John Terry has defended Raheem Sterling over his desire to quit Liverpool, telling talkSPORT the England international “wants to play at the very top for the very best.”
Sterling has faced widespread criticism after his agent made clear that the forward had no intention of signing a new contract at Liverpool.
Manchester City are leading the race to sign Sterling this summer, with sources telling ESPN FC they are ready to meet Liverpool’s £50 million asking price, and Terry said he could understand why the 20-year-old would want to leave Anfield.
John Terry said Raheem Sterling was worthy of his price tag.
“Raheem has taken a bit of stick recently, but I was really impressed by him,” the former England international said. “I didn’t realise how good he was until I played against him three or four times. He’s an exceptional player.
“At times he’s been unfairly treated this year with the press he’s got. He’s a young player and wants to play at the very top for the very best.
“He’s got ambitions to play in the Champions League and continue playing for his country.”
He disagreed with Rio Ferdinand’s recent comments over the overvaluation of English talent and said that Sterling, along with Tottenham’s Harry Kane, had “set the Premier League alight last year,” adding: “The two of them probably deserve the price tags that’s floating around at the moment.”
City are expected to spend heavily this summer after losing the Premier League title to Chelsea, but Terry said he thought Arsenal — who are closing in on Blues goalkeeper Petr Cech — and Manchester United would be serious contenders as well.
“Man City was a little way off this year so they may feel that they have to strengthen a little more than everybody else, but I think Arsenal and Man United are going to be strong this year as well,” he said.
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