Former Liverpool star made thoughts clear on a return to Anfield before leaving Man City

Former Liverpool star made thoughts clear on a return to Anfield before leaving Man City

Before moving to Chelsea, Former Reds forward Raheem Sterling did show interest in returning to Liverpool according to a recent report.

The 28-year-old moved to the Blues in a £50 million deal from Manchester City in July of last year. After seven years at the Etihad, the England international was always expected to complete a summer transfer, but a move back to Merseyside was never mentioned in the media.

It is now alleged that Sterling was actually keen on re-joining the Reds, the club he left for City in July 2015.

He was also interested in a move abroad, but a transfer did not materialise and it is said a transfer to Stamford Bridge was his only realistic option.

The Athletic, who claim Sterling was “dead-set” on leaving the Etihad last summer before entering the final year of his contract, has revealed the fresh information. His future was the subject of numerous rumours, although few of them were supported by genuine information.

According to reports, Sterling was ‘open’ to rejoining the Reds and never had a move to Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, or Liverpool in mind. If the forward had not joined Chelsea, he might still be playing at the Etihad, possibly not satisfied.

Raheem Sterling wanted a return to Anfield (Getty Images)

The idea of Sterling re-joining Liverpool is difficult to imagine following his move to City. The Reds offered Sterling a new contract to stay on Merseyside and appeared to force a move to the Etihad – leading to criticism from Liverpool legends.

“I’m not happy with all that carry-on,” said Gerrard in the summer of 2015. “He needs to go in and see the owners. You don’t have to throw in illness or refuse to go on tour. There are millions of Liverpool fans waiting to see Raheem pull on a Liverpool shirt.

“It looks very disappointing from where I’m sitting. The fans have shown him great support, they want him to stay and I believe that he should too.”

Graeme Souness, meanwhile, added: “He’s far from being the finished article. He should stay at Liverpool, learn his trade, and get on with it… It looks like he’s turning his back on them [Liverpool fans] which, if he is, would be very sad for the football club.”

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