“Knew it in 10 seconds,” Mikel Arteta sends excited message ahead of Raheem Sterling debut for Arsenal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed Raheem Sterling after his transfer from Chelsea, and might hand him his debut against Tottenham.
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Mikel Arteta backed Raheem Sterling to make his debut for Arsenal, this weekend. (via The Mirror)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta opened up about Raheem Sterling’s introduction into the side, as well as sent an exciting message ahead of his much-awaited debut. The manager stated that he believes Sterling has a point to prove, after his move from Chelsea.
The 29-year-old veteran forward signed for the Gunners on a season-long loan from Chelsea, after allegedly falling out of favor with new Blues manager Enzo Maresca. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has also got an opportunity to reunite with the Englishman, with whom he worked during his time as an assistant manager at Manchester City. Backed by the Spanish manager, the former Liverpool star is expected to make his debut for Arsenal in the North London derby this weekend.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the match, Arteta shared an exciting message highlighting Sterling’s energy ahead of his much-anticipated debut. Expecting the forward to return to his previous form, the manager exclaimed that he viewed the ‘hunger’ in Sterling’s eyes, and his intent to perform in each and every match. Moreover, he highlighted the immense experience and quality that the 29-year-old would bring to the team, and it took him seconds to decide whether he wanted to sign him or not.
The first call I had with him, I knew straight away in 10 seconds, we have to bring him here because he really wanted it... What I see is hunger. He's a player that wants to play every minute of every game.Mikel Arteta on Raheem Sterling’s signature (via The Mirror)
?⚪️ Arteta on Raheem Sterling: "I can see he’s hungry. I knew after 10 seconds we had to bring him!".
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 13, 2024
"He looks great. First of all because he has a big smile on his face. A lot of energy. He wants to prove a point". pic.twitter.com/W4IkiihksV
Arsenal will be without a number of important players against Tottenham, with skipper Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice having been ruled out due to injuries. The midfield duo joins new signing Mikel Merino in the recovery room, following the recent international break.
Mikel Arteta reveals details of his decision to sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed that he had decided to sign Raheem Sterling on deadline day, following a brief phone call with the Chelsea star. The Englishman arrived at the Emirates on a season-long loan deal, from their city rivals.
The talented English winger, who has scored 123 goals in his EPL career, has been backed by Arteta to make a major impact. In a recent interview, the manager revealed that he called the forward on deadline day, inquiring about a transfer. Moreover, he stated that the forward was eagerly dreaming of a call from Arteta, and was ready to grab any opportunity to join the Gunners, following transfer rumors.
His first words were, I was dreaming about this call. That’s it. That tells you that he really wants it and was already thinking about the possibility.Mikel Arteta on new signing Raheem Sterling (via The Mirror)
Sterling became Arsenal’s fifth major summer signing and the second deadline-day transfer alongside goalkeeper Neto from Bournemouth. They also signed Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad and David Raya from Brentford, this summer.
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Siddhartha Roy
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