Exclusive: Pep Guardiola Sheds Light on Raheem Sterling’s Potential Return to Manchester City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has opened up about his personal feelings towards Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, revealing a sentimental attachment to the 29-year-old English international. However, Guardiola has firmly ruled out a potential reunion, despite Sterling’s desire to leave Chelsea following his frosty reception from new manager Enzo Maresca.

Sterling made a shocking £47.5 million transfer from Manchester City to Chelsea in the summer of 2022, but his time at Stamford Bridge has been marked by tensions under Maresca. In the absence of opportunities, Sterling appears set to bid farewell to the London outfit in search of a fresh start.

During a recent interview, Guardiola addressed the possibility of Sterling making a dramatic return to the Etihad. Speaking with a mix of warmth and candidness, the Manchester City boss echoed, “He’s a Chelsea player, absolutely. I feel so attached to the time we lived together with Raheem, and Enzo. So I just wish him all the best, but he’s of course, a Chelsea player.”

With his words, Guardiola not only emphasized the attachment he formed with Sterling but also reiterated his commitment to Manchester City and their present squad. As tensions persist between Sterling and Maresca, it remains to be seen which destination the talented forward ultimately chooses.