Fan racially abused me but I’d meet him for a chat
Sterling opens up on Bridge abuser ... and vows to make up for lost time
RAHEEM StErling would have no problem sitting down with the Chelsea fan who, only a few years ago, taunted him with racial abuse.
‘that’s something that i could do right here, right now, or tomorrow. that’s not an issue,’ Sterling said yesterday. ‘i have no hatred or malice towards the individual.’
no matter that the supporter was banned for life for the vile abuse in December 2018, when Sterling was a Manchester City player. it was never going to stop him joining Chelsea this summer.
‘it wasn’t something that played on my mind at all,’ he said. it will not cloud Sunday’s clash with tottenham, Sterling’s first appearance at Stamford Bridge as a Chelsea player. ‘i can’t let an incident from individuals change my perception of the club,’ he added.
not when there is a bigger picture.
‘My main focus is to move away from the racial kind of thing and focus more on nurturing and feeding the youth, like myself growing up, and giving them a map to what world lies ahead and show them that they can manifest a lot of stuff if they just put the time in and look after themselves.’
that new purpose arose from the rubble in 2018. After smiling as the faces of Chelsea supporters twisted with rage, Sterling released a statement, asking the media to have ‘a second thought about fair publicity and give all players an equal chance’.
it proved a watershed moment. For football where, empowered by Sterling’s example, other players began to use their platform and shift the conversation about race. And for Sterling himself.
‘i think that conversation opened the door for me personally,’ said Sterling. ‘it made me understand what my true purpose is other than football. Of course football is my main goal and talent. But the other thing that gives me the most joy, that’s helping people.’
He is already making a change at Chelsea. Sterling is only 27 but Callum Hudson-Odoi claims he is already inspiring the next generation.
‘You don’t want a hostile environment for them to come into, you want it to be one where they can flourish,’ said Sterling. ‘When i was young, i had someone like Steven
gerrard around me. When i went into the national team, he had his arm around me and that makes you a lot more relaxed around the camp so you can do your best. that’s all i ever try to do.’
now? ‘i want to be more involved in dressing-room decisions, being more vocal and trying to drive the team on.’ it means his value to Chelsea, who paid City up to £50million, will be measured in more than goals and assists.
Sterling was in Jamaica towards the end of last season when a call came and Sterling realised Chelsea were serious. By then, the forward had become Pep guardiola’s most used player at City. After seven seasons, he left having made 292 appearances under the Catalan. Only Sergio Aguero scored more than his 120 goals in that time. this summer, however, he knew change had to come.
‘i couldn’t afford to waste more time,’ he said. ‘to get to the peak time in my career, not to be playing regularly, was something i wouldn’t accept.’
By the end, Sterling rarely started City’s biggest games. ‘it was a massive surprise,’ he admitted. ‘A sudden change of events.’
Did guardiola explain why? ‘Me and the manager know exactly what the reasons were. i tried to play my football and overcome the situation but it couldn’t be done,’ said Sterling. ‘in the future, i never wanted to look back and see a rise then a decline. i’m 27 years old, i know my standards and i know what i bring to a team. i wouldn’t accept anything less.
‘the year and a bit i was out of the team taught me a lot about myself and made me value a lot of things. it was difficult, my kids went to school there and my son is missing his friends. But in life, you have to make decisions that are best for yourself and your family.’
Sterling has now played for three of England’s biggest clubs. He has won 10 major trophies and 77 England caps. His combined transfer fees top £100m.
He has always had admirers. As a teenage wonderkid, Sterling reckons even Chelsea tried to sign him. ‘More than likely!’ he said.
So much has changed since he left london for liverpool aged just 15. ‘it does feel like coming home. it’s been a long time. i hear people
saying certain motorways and i don’t have a Scooby Doo where they’re telling me to go,’ he joked.
Fortunately, his role on the pitch is never altered by a new manager or a new club. ‘Score goals? Football’s that simple.’