Jamie Carragher Champions Raheem Sterling's Career Amid Chelsea Departure
Jamie Carragher has moved to dispel what he perceives as a persistent myth surrounding Raheem Sterling, vehemently arguing that the forward deserves recognition as "one of the best English players of his generation." This defence comes in the wake of Sterling's recent exit from Chelsea, where his contract was terminated by mutual consent, marking an underwhelming end to his spell in West London.
A Career Overshadowed by Recent Struggles
Carragher, writing in The Telegraph, contends that Sterling's legacy should not be defined solely by his challenging period at Stamford Bridge. The Blues paid nearly £50 million to secure his signature in the summer of 2022, but the former Liverpool and Manchester City star failed to consistently replicate his previous heights. "No player should be vilified because a club determined his value and then changed its mind two years later," Carragher asserted, suggesting the transfer fee reflected Sterling's elite status at the time of signing, not his subsequent output.
The Etihad Glory Years and England Pillar
The Sky Sports pundit highlighted Sterling's prolific peak at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola as the cornerstone of his argument. During this period, Sterling was instrumental in multiple Premier League title triumphs and delivered three consecutive seasons scoring over 20 goals. "Had Sterling’s career ended with his Manchester City exit four years ago, he would have already achieved more by the age of 27 than most manage in a lifetime," Carragher noted, emphasising the scale of his accomplishments.
Simultaneously, Sterling became a mainstay for the England national team under Gareth Southgate, contributing significantly during major tournaments. Despite this, Carragher observed a curious lack of widespread adulation, positing that Sterling "never quite won the love of others" and might rank lower than deserved in all-time lists for both City and England.
The Physical Toll and Future Prospects
Carragher also offered insight into why Sterling's form may have dipped, suggesting the 31-year-old is a victim of his own early success and durability. Having broken through as a teenager at Liverpool and maintained a relentless schedule, he has accumulated significant "miles on the clock," raising questions about his ability to return to his former peak.
Now a free agent, Sterling boasts what Carragher describes as "one of the most decorated CVs of any free agent in football history." Clubs like Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering a move, indicating that, despite recent struggles, his pedigree and experience remain highly valued in the market.
In essence, Jamie Carragher's intervention serves as a powerful reminder to assess Raheem Sterling's career in its totality—celebrating his era-defining contributions at Manchester City and for England, rather than allowing a difficult final chapter at Chelsea to overshadow a remarkable journey.
