‘True Warrior’ – Raheem Sterling’s journey reaches a turning point as old quotes resurface about Arsenal’s missed opportunity with him.

Raheem Sterling has disclosed that he nearly joined Arsenal’s academy, but his mother intervened and advised him against signing.

This summer, the winger joined Arsenal on loan on transfer deadline day, securing a season-long deal from rival club Chelsea, having been sidelined from the Blues’ matchday squads.

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However, Sterling had the opportunity to don Arsenal red at an earlier stage of his career, had it not been for his mother’s guidance.

And it’s not due to her being a Tottenham supporter.

Fans have brought attention to his Players’ Tribune article from 2018, where the England international shared: “[Joining a Sunday League team] changed my life. From that day on, it was all about football. I became obsessed. Totally obsessed.

“At around ages 10 or 11, I began receiving offers from major clubs in London. Fulham was interested, and so was Arsenal. When a club like Arsenal expresses interest, you naturally think about it. It’s the biggest club in London. So, I was excitedly telling my friends, ‘I’m off to Arsenal!’

“But my Mum is incredibly wise. She knows how to navigate this world. She’s probably the most street-smart person I know. One day, she sat me down and said, ‘Listen, I love you, but I don’t feel you should go to Arsenal.’

“I responded, ‘Huh?’

“She explained, ‘If you go there, you’ll be just another one of 50 players who are as good as you. You need to find a place where you can really develop.’”

Sterling credits his mother, who worked tirelessly with his sister to support his dreams, for the wisdom she imparted.

He reflected, “She encouraged me to join QPR, and that turned out to be the best decision I ever made.

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“At QPR, they ensured I stayed on track.”

In 2010, Liverpool signed Sterling at the age of 15.

He went on to play 129 matches for the Reds, earning his first senior England call-up during that time, before transferring to Manchester City for £49 million.

During his time at City, he made 339 appearances, scoring 131 goals and providing 73 assists, winning four Premier League titles, five League Cups, and an FA Cup.

Sterling returned to west London in 2022, joining Chelsea for £47.5 million.

However, he struggled to find the same form he exhibited during most of his time at City and lost his squad number this season as he was overlooked by Enzo Maresca.

Now, Sterling has signed with Arsenal, approximately two decades after the club’s initial interest in him.

He’s eager to rejuvenate his career under Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who previously served as an assistant manager at Manchester City.

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