Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has expressed concern over Raheem Sterling’s recent struggles, suggesting the England international may have lost his hunger for the game.

Sterling, now on loan at Arsenal from Chelsea, has seen his career falter since leaving Manchester City two years ago.

Speaking to Gambling Zone, Petit questioned Sterling’s current form and motivation:
“Something just doesn’t seem to be right with Raheem Sterling this season. If you take away his speed, what else does he offer?” Petit remarked.

“I have the feeling that Sterling is not hungry anymore – I said this a couple of weeks ago.”

Petit suggested that Sterling’s lack of ambition might be holding him back: “I think he thinks that he’s achieved all he needs to achieve in football, and this isn’t how it works in top-level professional football. I think this is why he’s not performing because he doesn’t want to keep going and he doesn’t have the same ambition as when he was a youngster.”

Sterling finds himself behind Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in Arsenal’s pecking order, with his future at both Arsenal and Chelsea uncertain.

Petit believes Sterling may soon face tough decisions: “Chelsea will put him on the transfer market in the summer and he will have to cut his wages if he wants to leave. If not, he will stay and no one will ever see him on the team sheet again.”

Despite these criticisms, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recently expressed hope for Sterling’s role in the squad, especially with the busy Christmas schedule approaching.

Speaking last month, Arteta said: “I would like to see him more, to be fair, and this is down to me. He’s trying his best. His application and commitment around the team has been exceptional and now it’s time for me to give him more minutes.”