Raheem Sterling has admitted he didn’t believe a word of speculation linking him to Arsenal.
The winger was linked with Arsenal in the summer as part of a potential swap for Alexis Sanchez. City vehemently denied the move had any chance of happening, and came close to signing Alexis for pure cash instead.
There’s some talk of Arsenal asking about Sterling again when the window re-opens in January. However, the 22-year-old is fully committed to City and believes he has the back of manager Pep Guardiola.
“I didn’t need to speak to him because I already spoke to him in the summer and we had a positive talk,” Sterling said, reports the Telegraph.
“I didn’t have any negative thoughts. I just woke up one day with England, didn’t believe a word of it, until I spoke to the manager. I didn’t need to worry about it.
“I’m here for the long term, I signed for five years. I have three and a half years left and I want to continue playing here for a long time to come.
“It is massive year for me, for the team and I need to keep building, keep working hard and go to the World Cup on a positive.”
Sterling has been in excellent form for City this season, scoring six goals in eight Premier League games and once in the Champions League.
Any concerns that Sterling would lose his place under Guardiola have proved unfounded as he continues to receive plenty of opportunities.
City have been in fearsome form so far, topping the Premier League with seven wins from eight. They’ve scored 29 goals in that time time.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have had a mixed start, winning four games and scoring just 12 goals.
With his place in England’s World Cup squad seemingly secure, there’s no reason why Sterling would be trading City for Arsenal any time soon.