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Manchester City and England attacker Raheem Sterling has revealed he would be open to a move abroad should the opportunity arise - handing Barcelona and Real Madrid a transfer incentive. The 26-year-old, whose current contract at the Etihad Stadium expires in 2023, has grown frustrated with the lack of opportunities this season under Pep Guardiola.
Sterling has started just two of City's seven Premier League matches this season following the arrival of £100million man Jack Grealish.
Yet despite being a key and integral member of Guardiola's trophy-winning City sides, Sterling is now prepared to explore a new challenge.
Arsenal and Newcastle are understood to be two potential destinations for the Three Lions star, who showcased his quality at this summer's Euro 2020.
After the tournament, there was some suggestion that City could offer Tottenham Sterling in a player-plus-cash deal for his England team-mate Harry Kane.
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And Sterling has admitted that he would be open to trying something new overseas in a major boost for the European giants.
He added: "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. See how I would come up against that challenge.’
Rather than throw his toys out of the pram, Sterling has opted to keep his head down at City so that he's ready to make his mark whenever the opportunity arises.
Scoring goals is what makes him happiest and he remains confident he can get back to the levels he set in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons very soon.
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Man City forward Raheem Sterling has revealed he is ready to play abroad (Image: GETTY)
"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. Playing football matches regularly. Scoring goals regularly," Sterling continued.
"From a young child, football has been the most important thing in my life. My most happiest I should say. When I play football that is where I get my happiness from. And, of course, with family as well but football for me has a special place in my heart.
"With everything that comes with football, money, being able to do nice things… at the end of the day, 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."