Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has insisted he cant ‘assure’ Raheem Sterling game time, following the player’s admission that he could be open to a move away from the club.
The 26-year-old seemingly hinted at his frustration at his current lack of game time on Thursday, while also revealing his desire to potentially move abroad at some stage in his career, having previously been linked with the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The England international has seemingly slipped down the pecking order at the Etihad following the arrival of compatriot Jack Grealish in the summer, despite having played a starring role for his country at Euro 2020.
There have been reports that the former Liverpool man is ‘seeking assurances’ over his future before engaging in any contract negotiations with the club, with his current deal set to expire in June 2023.
There has also been talk of a strained relationship between Sterling and his manager in recent months, with the forward having been in-and-out of the side since the turn of the year, particularly following the emergence of Phil Foden as a more regular starter.
Ahead of Man City‘s clash with Burnley on Saturday, Guardiola insisted that while he wants Sterling – and any other disgruntled stars – to be ‘happy’, he ‘cannot assure them’ a regular place in the side.
“I cannot assure how many minutes players are going to play, they have to show it on the grass,” he said at a press conference.
“That is the best moment, not for Raheem, for all of them.
“They are all involved. What I want for Raheem and for everyone is to be happy. They have to be satisfied, and if they are not, they are free to make decisions that are best for them, their family and everyone who loves them.
“As a football player, they all want to play 90 minutes, but I cannot assure them, they have to prove it in training.”
