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 motility to Chelsea.

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

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

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

"But Raheem, he'south been neat. 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. Equally I say, I just wish him all the best, he'southward a groovy lad.

"Simply Man Urban center is e'er the about important matter for the fans, for the players, and when you come to this guild, you have to give 100 per cent respect and the moment that you leave yous ever need to talk nicely to the club you've been playing for. I wish he could behave in that way."

Do you think Raheem Sterling is a Manchester Urban center legend? Have your say in the comments section.

Sterling concluded a seven-and-a-half year stay with Urban center this summer by signing for Chelsea in a deal worth a potential £50million (

Image:

Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Announcing his recent deviation, Sterling issued a heartfelt statement thanking City and the club's staff for their impact on his career while insisting information technology was "an laurels" to wear the team'southward shirt. He wrote: "Seven seasons. Eleven major trophies. A lifetime of memories.

"To the coaching staff who have played a massive role in my development over the years. To my teammates who accept become more than than just those I share a pitch with.

"To the backroom staff. To the function staff. To the fans who have tirelessly supported the squad. And to everyone involved with Manchester Metropolis, my respect for you couldn't be greater.

Sterling appear to refuse to sign a City shirt during Chelsea's pre-season tour of the United States (

Image:

Twitter@https://twitter.com/City_Xtra)

"What a ride it's been. I am thankful for the ups and downs, equally it'southward the downs that take, at times, tested my strength and resolve, and enabled me to stand here in front of you as the best possible version of myself.

"I arrived in Manchester a 20-yr-onetime, today I leave as a homo. Thanks for your endless back up. It's been an laurels to wear the shirt of Manchester City."

Later joining from Liverpool under controversial circumstances back in the summertime of 2015, Sterling went on to score 131 goals in 337 games for City. He departs having helped the club lift 11 major trophies, including four Premier League titles.

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