Pep Guardiola gives Raheem Sterling Man City contract insight after misunderstanding question

Pep Guardiola has admitted that any decision regarding Raheem Sterling’s contract at Manchester City is unlikely to involve him.

The winger was in electric form against Norwich City on Saturday, scoring a superb hat-trick in a 4-0 rout at Carrow Road.

But there is still widespread uncertainty over his future at the Etihad, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2023, and ongoing speculation as to whether or not an extension will be agreed any time soon.

Speaking after his side’s win over Norwich, however, Guardiola made it clear that any negotiations with Sterling and his representatives would not fall under his remit.

What did Guardiola say about Sterling’s contract?

Addressing Sterling’s outstanding display on Saturday, Guardiola said: “Nobody doubts how important it is.

“He has shown it. What I want is for tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow, he and all the players play well.

“If we count the amount of games he has played since we are together, it’s a lot. He was a key player.

“In the future I don’t know what’s going to happen, because the club decides. The club all the time. When they extend the player contracts, I give my opinion but the club takes the decisions all the time.”

Guardiola was also asked about the player’s happiness at Man City, to which he responded: “What I want is the best for the players.

“I’m really pleased if they are happy but contracts are not my business. I’ve never been involved.”

When it was pointed out that the question did not necessarily refer to the winger’s contract situation, but rather his recent upturn in form, the City boss added: “I try to be fair with myself and the team and everyone deserves to play. When you see how Aleks [Zinchenko] played [against Norwich], he deserves to play.

“Everyone deserves to play and it is my decision. I’m pretty sure tonight will be a massive confidence boost for him.

“I’ve known Raheem for six seasons so I think I know him perfectly well and this season he was outstanding in goals and assists, for the team and for himself.

“During this period there are highs and lows and problems. It’s part of life, not a honeymoon.

“There are always problems, you have to solve them. What is important is to see the next chapter and next games, next moments, big smiles, being positive and try to do it.”