CONOR GALLAGHER is surprised Manchester City have let Raheem Sterling go.
Sterling, 27, has signed for Chelsea from City in a £50million move on a five-year deal with the option of an extra 12 months.
Raheem Sterling has already been training with new club Chelsea in LA
Midfielder Conor Gallagher is stunned but delighted that England team-mate Raheem Sterling has joined him at Chelsea
The forward jetted out to the Blues’ pre-season camp in Los Angeles on Wednesday and joined up with Gallagher and the rest of his new teammates.
Gallagher, 22, was wowed by Sterling’s work on and off the pitch when he made his senior England debut earlier this year in friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast.
And when asked how shocked he was that City have sold a star player to a rival, Gallagher said: “Definitely.
“I feel a player like him probably wasn’t too happy with not playing every game at City where obviously they have loads of world class players.
“It’s a great move for him and Chelsea and it will benefit him and us.
“It’s a massive signing. The experience he has in the Premier League is very important for Chelsea.
“He’s a top attacking player, scores goals, gets assists.
“Off the pitch he’s very professional and I feel like he helps the younger players, which is good.”
Asked what sort of a leader Sterling is in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions dressing room, Gallagher added: “It’s natural to turn into a leader with all the experience and advice.
“At England he speaks to me and the younger boys. He’s great. He made me feel welcome.
“On the pitch, where it’s most important, I’m sure he will do his thing.”
