“I’d prefer he doesn’t perform well” – Pep Guardiola issues direct message to Raheem Sterling over Arsenal transfer

Pep Guardiola has sent a message of best wishes to former Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling, following a deadline day loan move to Arsenal this season.

Following a fresh influx of players into the Chelsea squad over the course of the summer transfer window, Raheem Sterling was deemed surplus to requirements by manager Enzo Maresca, and as such left to explore his options.

The solution of a reunion with former assistant coach, Mikel Arteta during their time together at Manchester City emerged and a deal over a season-long loan move was struck, making Raheem Sterling one of the most travelled players among England’s top clubs.

Having now featured for all of Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal across competitions, it remains to be seen whether the Emirates coach is the man to revive the old form of Sterling during his time working under Pep Guardiola.

Speaking during a pre-match press conference from Manchester City’s training centre on Friday afternoon, Guardiola insisted that while he wishes Raheem Sterling all the best at Arsenal, he hopes for a lacklustre showing from the England international on Sunday.

“I saw Mikel (Arteta) said it was a surprise for him as well, he didn’t expect to hire Raheem. I wish him all the best,” Guardiola said.

He continued, “I’ve said many times; of all the players that behaved unbelievably in this club, that helped us unbelievably to be who we are, what we are, we cannot understand the first period or first years in my tenure here, in our tenure here, in our time here without Raheem.

“He has been so important! I wish him all the best. Of course, I would prefer he doesn’t perform well on Sunday, but of course I wish him all the best.”

Arsenal are unlikely to start Raheem Sterling against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon, despite the short turnaround from their UEFA Champions League ventures in Bergamo, Italy on Thursday night.

The likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard will most likely battle it out for a place on the left of Arsenal’s attacking system, whilst Bukayo Saka is expected to hold down his place on the right.

There remains the possibility that Mikel Arteta could look to transform Sterling into the false-nine or striker role, having overseen the tactical switch alongside Pep Guardiola that saw the Englishman feature in at the Etihad Stadium.