Arsenal Desired Raheem Sterling in Just 10 Seconds

Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, has expressed strong confidence in his latest signing, Raheem Sterling. He mentioned that within just ten seconds of their conversation, he realized Sterling was the perfect choice for the team. Arteta stated that the winger has something to prove as he aims to revive his career at Arsenal.

As Arsenal gears up for the north London derby against Tottenham this Sunday, uncertainty looms over the starting lineup. Captain Martin Ødegaard and Riccardo Calafiori sustained injuries during the international break, casting doubt on their participation in the crucial match.

Reports indicate that both Ødegaard and Calafiori are likely to be unavailable, although Arteta has not completely ruled them out. Ødegaard is undergoing additional assessments to gauge the extent of his ankle issue, while Calafiori is dealing with a calf injury.

Adding to the complications, Declan Rice is set to miss the match due to suspension. However, one player who is ready to contribute is Sterling. He joined Arsenal on a season-long loan from Chelsea on deadline day, with the move only becoming public in the last few hours of the transfer window.

Having been excluded from interim England boss Lee Carsley’s squad, Sterling has utilized nearly two weeks to adjust to his new environment at Arsenal’s training facility in London Colney.

“He looks great. He’s full of energy, has a smile on his face, and is fully engaged,” Arteta remarked during a news conference on Friday. “He wants to show what he can do. You can feel that drive in him immediately.”

Arteta emphasized that he was already aware of Sterling’s footballing abilities, but the eagerness Sterling displayed during their initial conversation left a significant impression. “The first call I had with him made it clear that we needed him on board because he was so keen,” he said.

Arteta admitted his main concern before signing Sterling was the current status of his career. However, after that initial exchange, he was convinced that he had made the right decision. “The dedications drives him; he wants to play every game, every minute, and anything less makes him dissatisfied,” he added.

The enthusiasm and commitment Sterling brings to the team have already made a noticeable impact, according to Arteta. “You can feel the boost he gives us, and simply put, we are a better team with him. He’s going to enhance our capabilities further,” he noted.

In other news regarding the club, Arteta recently signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract, which will see him remain at Arsenal until 2027. When questioned about the possibility of leaving for another position, he declared, “No, the emotional bond I have with the club and the connections my family and I have developed are too significant.”

He further conveyed confidence in the club’s journey, stating, “We’re progressing in the right direction, and we’ve made considerable strides. There’s still work to do, but I feel the same hunger for success from the ownership, the board, the players, and the staff. This collective ambition is our goal and objective moving forward.”