Want to know what happened to English Footballer Raheem Sterling? You are at the right place. The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is on everyone’s mind, and England is one of the top contenders for the trophy, but one of the best players, Raheem Shaquille Sterling, is currently absent from the team. It was officially confirmed that he wouldn’t play in the last-16 tie against Senegal, and he didn’t, but where is he? And will he return for the Quarter Finals against France on Saturday?
Raheem is 27 years old, a right-footed forward winger. Born on December 8, 1994, in Kingston, Jamaica, he moved to England when he was five. Raheem has played many Premier League matches and is currently playing for Chelsea. Beginning his journey with Liverpool, he moved to Manchester City before being a part of Chelsea. He played in 95 games for Liverpool and secured 18 goals and 21 assists.
For Manchester City, he played in 225 games, scoring 91 goals and having 56 assists to his name. He also lifted the cup four times while being a part of Manchester City. Chelsea hasn’t seen the best of Sterling yet, since he has only played one season for them. So why didn’t Sterling play against Senegal? Here’s what we know so far.
What Happened To Raheem Sterling?
Raheem Sterling returned to stay with his family after they suffered an armed robbery. On Saturday night, Sterling’s London residence was intruded on by armed robbers; it happened when his family was present, including his three kids. His house was hit for approximately £300,000 worth of watches and jewelry. He has confirmed that he won’t return until his family is ‘safe,’ as per The Sun.
Apparently, this isn’t the first time a Chelsea player’s home has been hit; in September 2021, Chelsea defender Reece James’ house in Cobham, Surrey, was hit by a gang, and they stole valuable items and some of his trophies. Since this was the fourth hit at a Chelsea player’s residence, investigators are finding a link. Meanwhile, let us see what the Manager and team had to say about Sterling’s return.
England Manager Gareth Southgate confirmed on Sunday that Sterling returned to London to take care of his family. The team supported his decision and entirely agreed with his concern for his family. After England’s win over Senegal (3-0), Southgate told the press that the main concern for Sterling at the moment is his family’s safety and peace.
And to support that, they will provide him with as much time as he needs, and Southgate also said that family should come first because sometimes football isn’t the most important thing. Putting Sterling under pressure won’t do anyone any good, accepted Gareth.
England’s captain Harry Kane said it’s never easy seeing your family and friends go through something like this. His thoughts lie with Raheem and his family, and he is sure whatever decision Raheem takes would be for the best for him and his family, and the team’s support stands with him.
Raheem has had a rough childhood in England because of his skin, which is why he is even more concerned; he knows how bad things can be. The racist abuse that he went through, that one time when he was headbutted and called the n-word on a random street in Liverpool. All this exponentially increases his concern for his family. He once described how he wished for everyday life, opportunities, and a chance to be seen.
Despite being treated like that, he never gave up and is giving his best for his country. Raheem drastically affected the opener versus Iran, scoring the third goal. He has played two matches in this World Cup and has an assist and a goal to his name. It was his first World Cup, and he is one of the most experienced players for England this year.
The Three Lions’ Manager, Southgate, said that though his absence didn’t affect the selection against Senegal, it didn’t put his mind at ease. Will her return in the quarter-final against France is unclear at the moment; we will keep you updated if we get something. Let’s wish him and his family the best in these challenging times.
