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Tag: Raheem Sterling

  • Sterling named in 2019 most influential black players list

    Sterling named in 2019 most influential black players list

    Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling has been named on a list of Britain’s most influential black footballers.

    The annual Football Black List recognises the efforts of black figures working in various areas of the game.

    Sterling has been a vocal opponent of racism in recent years, having been abused playing for club and country.

    He is joined on the players’ list by Sadio Mane, Danny Rose, Eniola Aluko and Anita Asante.

    The Football Black List, first published in 2008, highlights black industry professionals who are positive influencers.

    The names in the seven categories are decided by a vote by representatives of the Premier League, Professional Footballers’ Association, League Managers’ Association, EFL and anti-racism group Kick It Out.

    Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List, said: “Raheem has made such a huge impact in the last year, on and off the pitch.

    “His vital words and actions in confronting issues of racism and how the black community is treated cannot be downplayed.

    “We are delighted to have another incredible list that will help to inspire the next generation of young black people. It’s particularly special this year that half of the list is female.”

  • Sterling scores hat-trick as City demolish Atalanta

    Sterling scores hat-trick as City demolish Atalanta

    Raheem Sterling scored an 11-minute second-half hat-trick as Manchester City ruthlessly demolished Atalanta to maintain their 100% start in Champions League Group C.

    This turned into another emphatic statement of City’s attacking power but it was a far from perfect evening for Pep Guardiola with Rodri limping off with a hamstring injury and Phil Foden sent off for the first time in his career for two late bookings.

    There was another reminder of City’s current defensive vulnerability too, when a Ruslan Malinovskyi penalty gave Atalanta a surprise lead after Fernandinho clumsily fouled Josip Ilicic.

    City, who began with an unfamiliar three-man defence, had shown some early uncertainty at the back and took time to get into their stride going forward.

    But Sergio Aguero quickly levelled from close range when he ran on to Sterling’s in-swinging cross and the Argentine fired City ahead from the spot before half-time after Sterling was fouled by Andrea Masiello.

    Sterling took over goalscoring duties after the break, firstly when he rounded off a fine move involving Riyad Mahrez, Kevin de Bruyne and Foden.

    By now Atalanta’s defence had completely crumbled and Sterling soon took full advantage, running on to an Ilkay Gundogan pass and cutting inside past Rafael Toloi before finding the net.

    Five minutes later Sterling made it 5-1 when he ran on to a Mahrez cross, and he should have added to his tally before the end when he fired wide after running clear.

    Foden, making only his second start of the season, saw red eight minutes from time after being booked for dragging back Marten de Roon as he shaped to shoot.

    The 19-year-old’s first yellow card had come six minutes earlier when he tangled with Malinovskyi in midfield, and appeared harsh.

    It remains to be seen how serious Rodri’s injury is, but Guardiola showed his frustration as John Stones prepared to replace him, slamming the back of one of the seats in his dugout.

    He did have some good news, however. Shakhtar Donetsk’s draw with Dinamo Zagreb earlier on Tuesday means a win in Italy when these two sides meet again on 6 November will seal City’s progress to the last 16 for a seventh successive year.

    BBC

  • Sterling should target Messi, Ronaldo level – Guardiola

    Sterling should target Messi, Ronaldo level – Guardiola

    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Raheem Sterling could be capable of reaching the level of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

    After two fine displays for England this week, national boss Gareth Southgate said Sterling has the potential to become as good as the duo.

    Guardiola says “nobody can compare” with them currently but that Sterling should aspire to reach that level.

    “It would be a dream for him, for all of us,” said the Spaniard.

    “If Raheem can target that level – wow.

    “We will be here to help him and of course he can do it but I will not be the guy to put limits to cancel it, to say ‘don’t, don’t think about that’. No, absolutely not – I want it.

    “But right now, nobody in all the clubs in the world can compare with these two guys and what they have done every single week during 10 years.

    “They are absolute legends and nobody can compare, nobody.”

    Sterling has scored eight goals in eight appearances for club and country this season, including in both of England’s Euro 2020 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo.

    Guardiola says he hopes Sterling does not get distracted by the praise for his performances.

    “I’m so happy for him, for the way he’s playing here and with the national team, but hopefully he won’t read too much,” he said.

    “He cannot listen to these kind of things – that wouldn’t be good for him, because nobody can compare with Cristiano or Messi.

    “I’m so happy with what he’s done since we’ve been together, not just right now. Everything that has happened to him has been good because he has an incredible work ethic and is an incredibly nice guy. I’m delighted for him.”

    BBC

  • Racial abuse: I’m proud to be black, says Raheem Sterling

    Racial abuse: I’m proud to be black, says Raheem Sterling

    Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling says he is proud to be black and has urged other footballers to speak up on the issue of racism in the sport.

    Sterling, 24, has received praise for his public stance against racism this season, after accusing the media of “fuelling” the problem with their portrayal of young black footballers.

    Sterling insists it was never his intention to become the public face of anti-racism efforts in British football, but believes footballers have a responsibility to speak up on the issue.

    He said: “I don’t think I’m trying to make a difference, or making a difference. It’s about speaking about what you have experienced and some people have probably shied away from that.

    “I’m a person, when I feel that something is not quite right, I want to speak about it and people to see it from my perspective. I think that is the best way forward.

    “If more players speak up then the better it will be.”

    There have been calls for players to walk off the pitch if they are abused, but Sterling believes that would be the wrong move.

    “I wouldn’t personally agree with it,” he said. “To win the game would hurt them even more, they’re only trying to get you down.

    “If you walk off they win, to score or win would be better.”

    Sterling added: “Growing up, my mum always told me I’m a wonderful black child and I know this. So, when I hear it, it is nothing new to me. I know I’m black and I’m happy with it, I’m proud.

    “I’m confident with my body, but at the same time it [abuse] is not right. If you do let it get to you, some people can’t take it. Growing up, my mum always told me to love myself and who I am.”

  • EPL: Sterling scores hat-trick as City go four points clear [See table]

    EPL: Sterling scores hat-trick as City go four points clear [See table]

    Raheem Sterling scored a second-half hat-trick, including a controversial opener, as Manchester City beat Watford 3-1 to move four points clear in the title race.

    With the game goalless at the start of the second half, Sterling was challenged by Daryl Janmaat as he ran on to Sergio Aguero’s flick and the ball cannoned off him and into the net.

    Sterling was clearly offside when Aguero chested the ball into his path and the lineman’s flag went up. But, after a long discussion with his fellow official, referee Paul Tierney overruled his decision, to the disbelief of the Hornets players.

    There was no disputing the legality of Sterling’s second goal, which came only four minutes later when he tapped in Riyad Mahrez’s cross at the far post after a flowing City move.

    And, just before the hour mark, the 24-year-old England forward made it 3-0, running on to a David Silva pass and cutting past two defenders before slotting home his 18th goal of the season.

    Watford, who had made seven changes ahead of their FA Cup quarter-final with Crystal Palace next weekend, belatedly threw on Troy Deeney and Gerard Deulofeu – two of those to be left out.

    The pair combined seconds later to pull a goal back with their first touches when Deeney flicked on a long ball for Deulofeu to fire home with his side’s first shot, after 66 minutes.

    It proved to be only a consolation rather than the start of an unlikely comeback, with City comfortably holding on to clinch their sixth successive league win.

    Their four-point lead is their biggest advantage at the top since 4 December, although Liverpool can cut the gap when they host Burnley on Sunday.

    See table:

     

     

  • Racism: I respect Raheem Sterling for speaking out – Gray

    Racism: I respect Raheem Sterling for speaking out – Gray

    Leicester forward Demarai Gray has praised Raheem Sterling for his stand against racism – and thinks it was time someone spoke out.

    Manchester City forward Sterling was allegedly racially abused during last Saturday’s defeat at Chelsea – and responded on social media the following day, saying he ‘had to laugh at the abuse’ and expects ‘no better’.

    Gray says he has been a victim of racism itself and was pleased Sterling hit back in such a considered manner.

    Gray told Sky Sports: “At the Euros, two years ago, we were in Poland, and we knew it was quite hostile out there.

    “There were monkey chants towards a few of our players and we are aware that it still goes on – and with England we are warned about these things.

    “But you don’t expect it and it’s not nice to hear it and experience it.

    “I think it is one of those things in football that you can’t do much to change. If that is how people are, that’s how people are.

    “But the best thing you can do is make people aware. I think what Raheem has done is good and it is about time someone stood up for themselves and spoke out like he has.

    “I respect Raheem for making that decision.

    “This is the best thing he could have done. He didn’t go about it in a negative way on social media, he was grown up and mature and brave.

    “I think the responses and respect he has got from that are what he deserves.”

  • Sterling wins Premier League player of the month award

    Sterling wins Premier League player of the month award

    Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling has been named as the Premier League’s player of the month for November.

    The England international helped City win all three of their league matches, against Southampton, Manchester United and West Ham.

    Sterling scored three goals in those games, while setting up another three for his team-mates.

    The 24-year-old has scored eight Premier League goals in total this season, while adding seven assists, in 13 appearances.

    He signed a new deal last month which will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2023.

    City boss Pep Guardiola is happy with the progress Sterling has made since joining City from Liverpool in July 2015 but feels there is still room for improvement in his game.

    “He can do better,” said Guardiola earlier this month. “We are so delighted with what he has done in three years but he can do better.

    “He can be more consistent, his first controls, receptions, many things. Definitely – I’ve said many times we are delighted but he can do better.”

  • Chelsea suspends fans for alleged racial abuse of Sterling

    Chelsea suspends fans for alleged racial abuse of Sterling

    Chelsea have suspended four people from attending matches while an investigation into the alleged racial abuse of Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling takes place.

    The incident involving the 24-year-old occurred during City’s 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

    Chelsea are “fully supporting” an ongoing police investigation.

    A club statement said evidence of racist behaviour will result in “severe sanctions, including bans”.

    “Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour abhorrent,” the statement continued, adding that the club “will also fully support any criminal prosecutions”.

    Manchester City welcomed Chelsea’s decision to issue suspensions.

    A club statement said: “The club and Raheem are fully engaged with Chelsea FC and the investigating authorities as they continue to examine the events in question.

    “Manchester City and Raheem are committed to working with all relevant parties and organisations to support the objective of eradicating racism from the game.”

    Social media users posted a video of an incident during which Sterling was shouted at as he collected the ball from behind the goal.

    Sterling said he “had to laugh” when he heard the remarks because he expects “no better”.

    A subsequent Instagram post from the England international saw him question the way the media portrays black players and has prompted debate between stakeholders in the game.

    The Professional Footballers’ Association has said negative press coverage of Sterling “emboldens racist rhetoric”, adding the former Liverpool player is “often singled out”.

  • Newspapers fuel racism, says Raheem Sterling

    Newspapers fuel racism, says Raheem Sterling

    Newspapers are helping to “fuel racism” by the ways in which they portray young black footballers, says Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling.

    Sterling, 24, posted on social media a day after suffering alleged racist abuse from Chelsea fans during City’s 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.

    Chelsea and the Metropolitan Police are investigating the allegations.

    All I have to say is have a second thought about fair publicity and give all players an equal chance,” he said.

    In a post on Instagram, Sterling said he “had to laugh” when he heard the alleged racist remarks during the game because he expects “no better”.

    The Football Association said on Sunday it would support the investigations.

    On Saturday, police in Scotland arrested two fans for allegedly directing racial abuse at Motherwell substitute Christian Mbulu during his side’s defeat at Hearts.

    In his post, England international Sterling cites newspaper headlines about team-mates Tosin Adarabioyo and Phil Foden buying houses.

    The headline referring to 21-year-old defender Adarabioyo – who is on loan at West Brom – focuses on how he spent £2.25m on a property “despite having never started a Premier League match”.

    By contrast, midfielder Foden, 18, “buys a £2m home for his mum” and is later described as having “set up a future”.

    “You have two young players starting out their careers – both play for the same team, both have done the right thing, which is buy a new house for their mothers who have put in a lot of time and love into helping them get where they are,” Sterling said.

    “But look at how the newspapers get their message across for the young black player and then for the young white player.

    “I think this is unacceptable, both innocent, have not done a thing wrong but just by the way it has been worded, this young black kid is looked at in a bad light, which helps fuel racism and aggressive behaviour.”

     

  • Sterling signs new City contract worth £300,000 a week

    Raheem Sterling has signed a three-year contract extension at Manchester City, committing him to the club until 2023 in a deal worth up to £300,000 a week.

    The 23-year-old England forward’s previous deal at Etihad Stadium was due to expire at the end of next season.

    It is understood the new contract will make Sterling one of the best-paid English players in the Premier League.

    “I’m delighted to sign. My development here has been incredible,” said Sterling.

    “I felt from the minute I got here it was the right choice for me. It’s paid off and I’m really grateful.”

    Sterling, who has scored seven goals for the club this season, joined City from Liverpool in a £49m deal in 2015.

    He scored 23 goals last season as the Blues won the Premier League and Carabao Cup.

    Capped 46 times by England, he scored twice against Spain last month – his first international goals for three years.