Pep Guardiola definitively answers Raheem Sterling to Man City question and gives transfer update

Pep Guardiola played down the prospect of a potential Manchester City return for Raheem Sterling, saying the winger is a 'Chelsea player' and he 'wishes him all the best'.

Sterling spent a total of seven years at the Etihad and was outstanding for City under Guardiola, but he departed for Chelsea in the summer of 2022. Sterling's spell at Stamford Bridge hasn't gone as hoped, with newly appointed Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca deeming him surplus to requirements.

Sterling has been frozen out of Chelsea's squad and is said to be pushing for a permanent transfer before the August 30 deadline.. And Guardiola, who re-signed former midfielder Ilkay Gundogan this week, was asked about a potential return for 29-year-old Sterling at his press conference ahead of Saturday's game with Ipswich.

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"He is a Chelsea player, absolutely," said Guardiola, pouring cold water on any chance of a City return for Sterling. "So I just wish him all the best. If you ask me this question when Gundo was in Barcelona the answer the same."

There are just seven days remaining of the transfer window and City have only signed Savinho and Gundogan in an unusually quiet summer. And Guardiola revealed he didn't expect much more activity, despite there being potential in the final days of the window.

"I don’t know what is going to happen," said Guardiola when he was asked about any more business. "Could happen something in terms of injuries, hopefully not. Right now I don’t think so."