Raheem Sterling is willing to leave Manchester City in his quest for more game-time, as the England star eyes up possible opportunities abroad.
It's been a frustrating start to the season for Sterling, who has largely failed to spark into life for the Premier League champions, despite showing some incredible form his national side throughout Euro 2020.
City's signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa for a fee in excess of £100m has meant that game time is even harder to come by for Sterling, who now has to vie with the 26-year-old - as well as Phil Foden - for his favoured position on the left.
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However, amid reported interest from the likes of Barcelona, it would seem that the former Liverpool man is already considering making the switch aboard - if the right opportunity presents itself.
Speaking at the FT Business of Sport US summit, Sterling explained: "If there was the option to go somewhere else for more game time I would be open to it"
"As an English player all I know is the Premier League and I've always thought: 'You know, maybe one day I'd love to play abroad and see how I would come up against that challenge.'"
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After scoring 30 times in 51 competitive matches for City in the 2019-20 season, Sterling struggled massively for form last term.
A surprise starter in the Champions League final against Chelsea, he was withdrawn before the end as City chased an equaliser, but went on to score three times in the European Championship for England - including a vital opening goal against Germany in the Last 16.
The 26-year-old was speaking on the day it was confirmed that team-mate Ferran Torres had suffered a fractured right foot while on international duty with Spain
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"I'm not a person that's going to complain. I've not tried to make it a bigger deal than it actually is. I get on with my work, do what I need to do, and I'm just raring to go. [Ready to be] playing football matches regularly. Scoring goals regularly," Sterling added.
"If football for me is not at a certain standard I'm not really at my happiest. If I want my happiness at a certain level I need to be playing football. I need to be scoring goals. And enjoying myself."
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Barcelona, Jack Grealish, Premier League, Raheem Sterling