Paul Merson compared Raheem Sterling to Cristiano Ronaldo after the Chelsea star scored a stunning free-kick against Newcastle. The 28-year-old forward has made a brilliant start to the season under Mauricio Pochettino and he opened the scoring with an incredible goal shortly after the Magpies broke the deadlock at St James’ Park. The army equalized the score.
Nicholas Jackson won Chelsea possession on the midfield line and passed the ball to Enzo Fernandez. The Argentina international was outnumbered at the back and found Sterling behind the home side’s backline with a brilliant pass.
The Blues winger sprinted towards Nick Pope’s box and just before he could find his shot, Kieran Tripper brought down his compatriot and the Newcastle defender was booked for a foul. Reece James initially stood over the ball and prepared to take the free kick, but Sterling stepped up to the plate.
He fired a fierce shot into the top left corner with a technique that reminded Merson of Ronaldo. The former Arsenal midfielder told Sky Sports’ Football Saturday show: “It was like Ronaldo. He hit the ball and it went straight over the wall.”
While Sterling’s free-kick showed shades of the Manchester United and Real Madrid legends, he still needs a few more goals to truly deserve comparisons, to say the least. In fact, Chelsea could have signed Ronaldo this time last year.
The 39-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge after leaving Manchester United in November 2022. Piers Morgan’s explosive TV interview was the final straw for Eric ten Haag, who let the Portuguese icon go.
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The Red Devils are said to be “furious” after Ronaldo’s attack caught them off guard, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner claiming he felt betrayed. Naturally, he has been linked with several top clubs – one of which is Chelsea following Todd Boly’s meeting with super-agent Jorge Mendes earlier this year.
Instead, Ronaldo flew to Saudi Arabia to join Al Nasr, where he continued his brilliant goal-scoring form.
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