Pablo Zabaleta aims dig at Raheem Sterling's behaviour following Man City departure

Pablo Zabaleta has refused to refer to Raheem Sterling as a Manchester City legend while criticising the winger for his conduct following his high-profile move to Chelsea.

Sterling left City after seven-and-a-half trophy-laden seasons earlier this summer to join Premier League rivals Chelsea for a fee which could rise as high as £50million. The 27-year-old swiftly jetted out to the United States to link up with his new team-mates and partake in the club's pre-season tour.

The England international has already endeared himself to Blues supporters while enraging City fans after appearing to refuse to sign a shirt of his former club. Following the episode, ex-City star Zabaleta has taken aim at Sterling over his conduct since his departure while insisting he cannot be considered a legend at the Manchester club.

"For me, when you say a legend, for me [Sergio] Aguero, [David] Silva, [Vincent] Kompany, those guys are on a different level," the Argentine told Sky Sports. "That's why that they are having statues outside of the club.

"But Raheem, he's been great. We wish him, of course, all the best. It seems that obviously he's with one of them that's a big contender for the Premier League. As I say, I just wish him all the best, he's a great lad.

"But Man City is always the most important thing for the fans, for the players, and when you come to this club, you have to give 100 per cent respect and the moment that you leave you always need to talk nicely to the club you've been playing for. I wish he could behave in that way."

Announcing his recent departure, Sterling issued a heartfelt statement thanking City and the club's staff for their impact on his career while insisting it was "an honour" to wear the team's shirt. He