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Pep Guardiola admits he does not know whether Raheem Sterling will sign a new contract with Manchester City, but he would love him to stay.
Sterling netted a ‘perfect’ hat-trick in City’s 4-0 win over Norwich on Saturday, as finishes with his left foot, right foot and head took his tally to 10 league goals for the season.
The England man has 18 months left to run on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium, and has previously spoken about an interest in playing abroad in the future.
Ahead of City’s Champions League trip to Portuguese giants Sporting, Guardiola praised Sterling’s contribution but stressed others at the club will handle discussions with the forward.
“What I want is the best for the players,” Guardiola said. “I’m pleased if they’re happy, but the contract is not my business. I’ve never been involved.
“I’ve known Raheem for six seasons. This season, he has been outstanding with goals and assists, and in his contribution to the team.
“During any period there are highs and lows, there are problems, this is part of life. This is not a honeymoon. There are always problems that you have to try to solve.
“Nobody doubts how important it is [to keep Sterling]. If we count the amount of games he played since we have been together, it’s a lot, he has been a key player.
“In the future, I don’t know what is going to happen, because the club decides, all the time. About extending contracts for players, I give my opinion of course, but the club decides.”
Sterling’s 10 Premier League goals have been scored from chances amounting to 9.37 expected goals, meaning it is a solid return, and the 27-year-old has started 15 of City’s 25 Premier League matches this term as Guardiola continues to rotate his squad.
The 51-year-old City manager was also keen to stress none of his attackers were guaranteed to start when Champions League football resumes in midweek, and that nobody at the club was “untouchable”.
“They know nobody has a guarantee [of starting matches], even if they play good, because I have to try to handle the squad in the best way possible,” Guardiola said.
“Nobody here is untouchable, not even me. The club is above and beyond all of us.”
