Gary Lineker ‘saddened’ by downfall of Arsenal flop who was once brilliant

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Gary Lineker admits he is disappointed by Raheem Sterling’s decline, a talented Arsenal winger who has lost his brilliance.

Football pundit Gary Lineker has shared his heartfelt disappointment over the struggles of Arsenal winger Raheem Sterling, admitting that the once-dazzling star’s decline has left him “sad.” Speaking on a recent episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, the former England striker didn’t hold back in expressing his admiration for Sterling’s past brilliance while lamenting the challenges the 30-year-old has faced in recent seasons.

“There was a time when Raheem Sterling was unplayable,” Lineker said. “The pace, the movement, the goals—he had it all. Seeing where he is now, it genuinely makes me sad. He’s still got so much talent, but something’s not clicking.”

Sterling, who joined Arsenal on loan from Chelsea in the summer of 2024, arrived at the Emirates with high expectations. His record as a key figure in Manchester City’s trophy-laden era, as well as his ability to deliver in crucial moments for England, made him an ideal addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad. However, the winger has had a very difficult 2024–25 season. Limited starts, a dip in form, and mounting scrutiny from fans and pundits have painted a stark contrast to the player who once lit up the Premier League.

Lineker, a keen observer of the game, pointed to Sterling’s peak years as evidence of his extraordinary ability. “I remember watching him at City, tearing defenses apart,” he recalled. “He had this explosive energy—direct, fearless, and clinical. Even at Chelsea, despite the chaos, you could see glimpses of that brilliance. But now? It’s like he’s lost that spark.”

Multiple factors have contributed to Sterling’s struggles at Arsenal, including injuries, tactical mismatches, and competition from players like Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, which have forced him into a supporting role. His season-long stats of two goals and three assists in 18 appearances pale in comparison to his Manchester City glory days, when he routinely scored double-digit goals. For Lineker, it is not just the numbers that speak loudly, but also the obvious frustration in Sterling’s body language.“You can see he’s trying,” Lineker noted. “He’s not a player who hides or shirks responsibility. But football’s a confidence game, and when it’s not flowing, it’s tough to get it back—especially under the microscope he’s been under.”

The Tottenham star also hinted at external factors contributing to Sterling’s woes. “He’s had more than his fair share of criticism over the years, some of it unfair,” Lineker said, alluding to the intense media scrutiny Sterling has faced since his breakout days at Queens Park Rangers and Liverpool. “That kind of pressure can weigh on anyone, no matter how strong they are.”

Arsenal fans, too, have grown restless. While Sterling’s work rate and experience have been praised, his lack of end product has fueled debates about whether the club should cut ties when his loan expires. Manager Mikel Arteta has remained supportive, insisting that Sterling’s quality will shine through with time, but Lineker wonders if the clock is ticking louder than ever.

“He’s still young enough to turn it around,” Lineker added optimistically. “We’ve seen players bounce back from worse slumps. But he needs the right environment, the right run of games, and maybe a bit of luck. I’d love to see him silence the doubters.”