Raheem Sterling explains why Arsenal is the 'perfect fit'

Raheem Sterling has described Arsenal as the 'perfect fit' for him after joining the club on loan from Premier League rivals Chelsea prior to last week's summer transfer deadline.

It was made clear to Sterling that he was not part of manager Enzo Maresca's plans at Stamford Bridge and the winger was briefly linked with Manchester United before arriving at Arsenal.

Sterling, winner of four Premier League titles at former club Manchester City, has been handed Arsenal's number 30 shirt for the duration of this campaign.

He considers Arsenal's growth and ambitions to be a match for his character.

"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," Sterling said, via Arsenal.com.

"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. Each year you want to get better and do better than the previous year.

"You can see the real togetherness, the journey that the boys are on, and the hunger. The togetherness is something I'm looking to be a part of. I'm really excited. There are always challenges and this is another challenge. It's one that I'm relishing and I'll really go out there and do my thing."

Sterling was unable to feature when Arsenal drew against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, due to his loan not being completed until after the matchday registration deadline. But that could mean a baptism of fire debut against Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby on 15 September.

Sterling hasn't been called up by England since the 2022 World Cup, meaning he has the current international break to settle into his new surroundings at a slightly calmer pace.

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