Raheem Sterling is expected to return to Chelsea this summer following an underwhelming loan spell at Arsenal, but his ties to north London may linger longer than his playing career suggests. While his on-pitch impact at the Emirates Stadium failed to ignite, the 30-year-old England international has made a more personal and lasting connection to the red half of the capital.
Sterling’s reunion with Mikel Arteta, his former coach at Manchester City, came with promise but ultimately fell flat. The winger managed just one goal in 28 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal last season, struggling for consistency and form throughout the campaign. By the season’s closing stages, he found himself largely out of favour.
Despite the disappointing numbers, Arteta was keen to acknowledge Sterling’s contribution — however limited — following Arsenal’s 2–1 win over Southampton on the final day of the Premier League season.
“It was important to win it,” Arteta said. “It was important as well to say goodbye to a few players who have left our football club, to say thank you for their contribution.
“Some of them, like Kieran [Tierney], they’ve been on this journey for six years with us. Jorginho, we’re trying to hug him, Neto and Raheem as well. So, there are a few players that I had the duty to say thank you to. I think we all have and we wish them the best for the next season.”
It has since been confirmed that Arsenal will not pursue a permanent deal for Sterling, and Chelsea, under new manager Enzo Maresca, are not expected to reintegrate him into the first-team setup.
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