Rio Ferdinand “doesn’t understand” the criticism Chelsea’s £50m winger Raheem Sterling is getting as he admits “it makes his head spin” over the England star’s delivery at Manchester City
- Rio Ferdinand started in defense of Raheem Sterling after recent criticism
- The winger has completed a £50million move from Manchester City to Chelsea
- Sterling will be the first signing of the new Todd Boehly era in West London
- The forward will become a key figure for the Blues following the departure of Romelu Lukaku
Rio Ferdinand defended Raham Sterling after criticism of his £50m move Chelsea.
The winger became the first signing of the Todd Boehly era on Wednesday afternoon as the Blues look to close the gap on the front two Manchester City and Liverpool.
Sterling was a key figure at Etihad and former Manchester United defender Ferdinand was incredulous that there were still question marks over Sterling’s abilities.
Rio Ferdinand (R) has defended Raheem Sterling (L) after criticism over his £50m move
Speaking on the YouTube show FIVEhe said, “You know what’s going through my head. If there are divided opinions about him [Sterling] and I don’t understand.
“He was Football Writers’ Player of the Year, PFA Team of the Year, he was Young Player of the Year, he did everything he could in a Man City shirt, everything he didn’t do was, to win a Champions League.
“But nobody at Man City has done that, so that’s just the way it is.”
Sterling hit double digits in all competitions in all eight seasons he spent with City, including a career-high 31 goals in 2019-20.
The forward helped Pep Guardiola’s side to four Premier League titles during his time at Manchester, but the England international has seen his influence on the side wane in recent years.
The arrival of Jack Grealish and the emergence of Phil Foden have meant Sterling’s opportunities have dwindled in recent seasons.
Sterling was a substitute for City’s final Premier League game of the season last season
The winger has joined his Chelsea team-mates in Los Angeles following his move
Sterling sat on the bench in both games of last season’s Champions League semi-final defeat by Real Madrid, while also coming on as a substitute in the last league game of the season against Aston Villa.
However, Ferdinand has little doubt as to what the striker will bring to Thomas Tuchel’s side.
He added: “We can talk about his skills, we can talk about his pace, we can talk about his goals and achievements, but was there one England player who had the success and still been questioned?
“Under Pep Guardiola he has the most appearances, he has the second most goals – let that sink in and marinate a little. “He should shoot more, he doesn’t score goals”, what do you think? He goes and does it.’
Tuchel was keen to expand his attacking options after Romelu Lukaku, the Blues’ top scorer last season, was loaned to Inter Milan.
