Raheem Sterling has embarked on a fresh chapter in his football career by joining Arsenal on a season-long loan from Chelsea. While fans initially expected him to take on the prestigious no.10 shirt, Sterling will instead don the no.30 for the upcoming season. This surprising decision has intrigued many, especially after Arsenal announced he would be wearing the iconic no.10, left vacant by Emile Smith Rowe’s departure to Fulham.
A Journey Through Sterling’s Shirt Numbers
Throughout his illustrious career, Sterling has sported several notable shirt numbers, each marking a significant phase of his football journey. He began his professional career at Liverpool, wearing the no.31 shirt, a number that is still fondly remembered by Reds fans. His big move to Manchester City in 2015 saw him claim the no.7 shirt, where he enjoyed immense success, winning multiple Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola, with Arsenal’s current manager Mikel Arteta serving as assistant coach.
Sterling’s move to Chelsea in 2022 introduced him to new challenges, but his time there was not as successful as anticipated. He started with the no.17 shirt, eventually switching to no.7 again. Unfortunately, he struggled to find consistent form, leading to his exclusion from Chelsea’s squad at the start of the 2024/25 season. His transfer to Arsenal represents a fresh start for the England international.
Why No.30? The Mystery Behind the Decision
Sterling’s choice to wear no.30 at Arsenal, instead of the more glamorous no.10, is a point of curiosity. The no.10 shirt has a storied history at Arsenal, worn by legends like Dennis Bergkamp, Paul Merson, and more recently, Mesut Özil and Jack Wilshere. However, Sterling’s decision to pick no.30 could be a nod to his early days in football when he wore no.31 at Liverpool, signaling a return to his roots and a desire to start afresh.
It also leaves the no.10 shirt open for potential future signings or emerging stars within the squad. Sterling’s focus, though, remains on making a mark with his new number, rather than following the legacy of previous Arsenal no.10s.
Sterling’s Excitement: A Perfect Fit for Arsenal
In a statement to Arsenal.com, Sterling shared his enthusiasm for joining the Gunners, calling it a “perfect fit.” He explained that the club’s relentless ambition and hunger for success mirrors his own mindset. After a dramatic transfer deadline day, where it seemed Sterling might end up at Manchester United, he expressed relief and excitement about sealing the move to North London.
“I’m buzzing,” Sterling said. “It’s one where we left it late, but it’s one I was hoping for. Looking at everything, I’m just like, ‘this is a perfect fit for me,’ and I’m super happy that we got it over the line. It’s a perfect fit for myself to be at a football club like this, where you can see that hunger, that desire, year on year, they are pushing and pushing and pushing. That’s exactly how I am as a person.”
Sterling is eager to integrate into the squad, meet his new teammates, and start contributing on the pitch. His aim is to push himself and the club to new heights, building on the momentum Arsenal has already established in recent seasons.
What’s Next for Sterling at Arsenal?
As the 29-year-old forward settles into life at Arsenal, fans are eager to see how he will gel with the team’s existing lineup and whether he can rediscover the form that made him one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers. His experience, combined with his pace and creativity, could provide Arsenal with the edge they need to challenge for major trophies this season.
With the no.30 on his back, Raheem Sterling is ready to write a new chapter in his football career. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: both Sterling and Arsenal have high hopes for the future.
