Blues star reveals the meaning behind his gun tattoo

RAHEEM Sterling has revealed the reason behind his gun tattoo after being criticised for having an M16 assault rifle inked on his leg.

The City forward’s decision was labelled ‘disgusting’ and ‘totally unacceptable’ – while there have also been calls for him to be dropped from Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

But in an emotional message on his Instagram account, Sterling revealed the story behind his latest artwork was in tribute to his late father, who was shot and killed when the England international was a boy.

“When I was 2 my father died from being gunned down to death,” the 23-year-old said. “I made a promise to myself I would never touch a gun in my life time, I shoot with my right foot so it has a deeper meaning.”

The Sun pictured Sterling’s tattoo on its front page yesterday, with the headline: “Raheem shoots himself in the foot.”

Lucy Cope, who founded group Mothers Against Guns, told the paper: “This tattoo is disgusting. Raheem should hang his head in shame. It’s totally unacceptable.

“We demand he has the tattoo lasered off or covered up with a different tattoo.

“If he refuses he should be dropped from the England team. He’s supposed to be a role model but chooses to glamorise guns.”

Sterling was born in the Maverley district of Kingston, Jamaica – an area more noted for its gun crime.

His emigrated to London with his mother and sister when he was six.