Zabaleta Criticizes Sterling's Move To Chelsea, Says England Star Cannot Be Considered As A 'Man City Legend'

• Retired Argentina international Pablo Zabaleta has questioned the legendary status of Raheem Sterling at Manchester City following the latter's move to Chelsea
• Zabaleta argues Sterling cannot be mentioned in the same breath as Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva
• Sterling became the first signing in the Todd Boehly era when he completed a £47.5 million transfer from Manchester City on July 13, 2022

Manchester City great Pablo Zabaleta has aimed a bizarre attack on Raheem Sterling's transfer to Chelsea.

Sterling, 27, completed a switch from Manchester City to Premier League rivals Chelsea, ending his seven successful seasons with the Citizens.

The England star, who had a year left on his contract with the reigning Premier League champions, is considered one of the modern-day greats at the Etihad Stadium, scoring 131 goals and registering 74 assists in 339 games since joining the Citizens in 2015.

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However, questioning the legendary status of Sterling, Zabaleta criticized Sterling's decision to swap the Etihad Stadium for Stamford Bridge.

“For me, when I think of legends I say Aguero, Kompany, Silva,” Zabaleta told Sky Sports via Football365. “Those guys are on a different level, that’s why they have a statue outside of the club.

“Raheem has been great so we wish him of course all the best he went to a team that obviously that is a big contender for the Premier League.

“I just wish him all the best he’s a great lad but for Man City always the most important thing for the fans are the players and when you come to this club you have to give 100%.

“And the moment you leave you to need to talk nicely to the club you’ve been playing for and I wish he could behave in that way.”

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Sterling refuses to sign Man City jersey after Chelsea move

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Raheem Sterling risks Manchester City fans' wrath after refusing to sign the club's shirt while on Chelsea's pre-season tour in America.

Sterling recently sealed a sensational summer move to Stamford Bridge in a transfer that ended his illustrious seven-year career with Man City.

According to the Daily Mail, the English forward only joined the Blues four days ago to become the club's first signing of the window.