Carragher Defends Raheem Sterling After Chelsea Exit

Raheem Sterling stands at a career crossroads after his release from Chelsea, and Jamie Carragher has passionately defended the former Manchester City and Chelsea winger, describing him as “underrated” and deserving of a more fitting finale to his illustrious career.

Raheem Sterling’s Impact: From Liverpool Prodigy to Manchester City Star

Raheem Sterling’s career has been marked by moments of brilliance and major achievements. Emerging from Liverpool’s famed academy, Sterling quickly earned a reputation as a prodigious talent, bursting onto the Premier League scene as a teenager. His transfer to Manchester City in 2015 under Pep Guardiola proved transformative. During his seven-year tenure at the Etihad, Sterling’s game evolved significantly; he became a prolific goalscorer, netting 79 goals across three remarkable seasons between 2017 and 2020. His contributions were vital to City’s domestic dominance, helping the club secure multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and League Cups.

Sterling’s England Career: A Key Figure on the International Stage

Sterling’s international record is equally impressive. He has earned 82 caps with the England national team, playing pivotal roles in major tournaments and becoming one of the most influential English players of his generation. His pace, directness, and intelligent movement have made him a regular threat, whether in World Cup qualifiers or the European Championship.

Life After Manchester City: Chelsea Struggles and Arsenal Loan

Despite his past successes, Raheem Sterling’s move to Chelsea in 2022 for £47.5 million did not unfold as hoped. Returning to London was expected to reignite his spark, but the winger struggled to replicate his Manchester City form. A loan spell at Arsenal for the 2024-25 season brought further frustration, as Sterling failed to score in Premier League action for the Gunners. Upon returning to Chelsea, he found himself sidelined under new manager Enzo Maresca, relegated to the infamous “bomb squad” and ultimately seeing his lucrative contract mutually terminated.

Carragher’s Words: Defending Sterling’s Legacy

Jamie Carragher, a former Liverpool teammate, took to his column in The Telegraph to champion Sterling’s achievements. Carragher insisted that the nature of Sterling’s Chelsea exit should not overshadow a career filled with silverware and personal milestones. “Sterling is blessed and cursed by the memories of him bursting onto the scene as a teenage superstar before peaking in his mid-twenties. He set the bar so high that this moment in his career inevitably feels like an anti-climax,” Carragher wrote.

He highlighted Sterling’s trophy haul—10 major honors with Manchester City, 82 England caps, nearly 200 career goals, and the 2019 Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award—as evidence of his world-class status. Carragher argued, “By any measure, he is one of the best English players of his generation… his successes outweigh any recency bias.”

Sterling’s Future: Free Agent with a Decorated CV

Now a free agent, Sterling is garnering interest from top clubs across Europe. With Champions League-calibre teams reportedly considering offers, the 31-year-old winger’s next move could offer him the chance to close his career on a high. Carragher expressed hope that Sterling finds a club worthy of his talent and reputation, stating, “Wherever he goes and whatever he does from here, Sterling is searching for a new club armed with one of the most decorated CVs of any free agent in football history. Hopefully, a fitting finale beckons.”

Sterling’s Enduring Qualities and Professionalism

Carragher further praised Sterling’s professionalism, particularly his work ethic and dedication in training. “I can speak honestly as a former team-mate that when it comes to his attitude to training and a desire to perform on the pitch, Sterling is up there with the most respected,” he noted. Such qualities are certain to attract potential suitors looking for experienced leaders both on and off the field.

Opinion: Sterling’s Career Deserves a Celebratory Conclusion

Viewed in totality, Raheem Sterling’s football journey is one of consistent excellence, adaptability, and resilience. While recent setbacks at Chelsea and Arsenal have cast a shadow, they do not diminish his achievements or the impact he has made in English football. Sterling’s legacy as one of his generation’s finest wingers is secure. He deserves a final chapter that celebrates his contributions and experience—one more opportunity to shine at the highest level. For fans following Sterling’s story and for more news, visit for more news.