- Mikel Arteta has spoken out about his relationship with Raheem Sterling
- The former Manchester City winger is currently seeking clarity over his future at Chelsea.
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Mikel Arteta says Raheem Sterling is a player he has a “very strong feeling” for and that he learned “a lot” from him at Manchester City.
Mail Sport revealed on Sunday that Sterling was “seeking clarity” over his Chelsea situation after being ruled out of the squad to face Manchester City.
The striker was also left out of the Blues squad for yesterday’s 2-0 win over Servette. Manager Enzo Maresca has told Sterling he has no future at the club.
Arteta worked with Sterling when he was assistant manager at Manchester City between 2016 and 2019.
Asked if he was tempted to call him out given his difficult situation, the Spaniard said: ‘No, but I can talk about my time with Raheem.
‘It was exceptional, we built a very strong relationship together.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (left) has opened up about his relationship with Raheem Sterling (right)
The two would cross paths at Manchester City, with Arteta stating that Sterling “taught him a lot”.
But the winger’s future at Chelsea is currently up in the air, with Enzo Maresca indicating he has no future at the club.
‘He was amazing the time we were together and he also taught me a lot.
“About people, how they play and how we support them and help them. He’s someone I have a great affection for.”
The Gunners face Aston Villa on Saturday. They are the only team to have beaten the north London club twice in the league last season and are coached by former Arsenal manager Unai Emery.
Arteta’s synopsis of those two games is simple.
“They scored and we didn’t,” he said. “It’s very simple. We had plenty of opportunities to do so.”
“That was one of the big differences. We’ve looked at other things, but that’s what we’ll have to do better tomorrow because they’re a very good team. Very well trained.”
Arteta also claimed Sterling was “incredible” during his time playing for Manchester City.
The pair would also cross paths on the pitch, facing each other three times whilst playing for Arsenal and Liverpool.
Arsenal face Unai Emery’s Aston Villa this weekend, with Arteta claiming the Villains were “very well-drilled”
On his own contract situation, Arteta added: ‘The focus has been on the transfer window.
“We had a lot of things to do and discuss. We are working on it and will deal with it at the appropriate time.”
