Man City personal record could sway Raheem Sterling's transfer decision

At the forefront of Raheem Sterling's mind when it comes to playing football is the legacy he will leave when he hangs up his boots.

The Manchester City forward has already been responsible for considerable change in the game off the pitch after deciding to speak out against racial equality, important trailblazing work for which he has been recognised by the Queen with an MBE. Sterling, though, is as keen to be remembered as one of the all-time greats for his efforts with a ball at his feet.

Having won four Premier League titles in five years as one of the most important cogs in a Pep Guardiola machine that is increasingly regarded as one of the best ever seen in English and world football, the 27-year-old is already a considerable way towards achieving what he wants. However, the greatest are never satisfied with what they have done when they can instead look forward to what they could yet achieve.

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With 12 months left on his current City deal, he must decide this summer whether to renew his contract at the Etihad — in all likelihood the biggest deal he will sign for the rest of his career given he is at a peak age — or head for a different challenge. Real Madrid are in the market for a superstar again after Kylian Mbappe's shock snub, while other European giants are paying close attention

While he would not rule out a few English clubs, Sterling has spoken warmly before about playing abroad and it is not hard to see why it would appeal (on top of the weather): few English players have played in a foreign league, so Sterling's career would stand out even more if he were able to shine at a top European club.

At the same time,