RAHEEM: RACISTS WIN IF WE WALK OFF

RAHEEM STERLING has told football’s racists he will not let them win by forcing him from the pitch. ‘I’d rather go and win the game, because that would hurt them even more,’ said the Manchester City and England striker. ‘They’re trying to get you down, if you do walk off the pitch as a group then that makes them win. ‘If you score a goal to win the match, then that’s an even better feeling which beats them.’ At 24 and in the form of his life, Sterling has become a powerful and confident voice on the subject of racism. ‘Growing up my mum has always told me I’m a wonderful black child,’ he said, ahead of tonight’s Champions League tie at Tottenham. ‘I know this. I know I’m black, and I’m proud. I’m confident with my body. My mum taught me how to love myself, how to love my skin colour and how to be comfortable in my skin. ‘Some people can’t take it but I was always told to love myself and who I am. ‘When I do feel something’s not right I want to speak about it. If more players speak out then the better it will be.’ Sterling offered his support to Spurs defender Danny Rose, who said last week the racism inside the game was making him long for the day when he can retire. Rose opened up last week after the racist abuse from the crowd in Montenegro during England’s Euro 2020 qualifier, last month. ‘I’ve heard stories of his past,’ said Sterling. ‘I don’t want to go into too much detail — youth teams and stuff like that. ‘It’s something he’s come across quite a number of times and it probably is getting a bit much for him. I respect his comments and it’s a shame to hear that from someone like him, not everyone’s the same, not everyone takes it the same way. ‘To hear that, it’s not really a nice thing to hear.’