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The England winger, who completed a deadline day move to Arsenal, has shared the reasons for turning to Jesus after deciding to get baptised at the weekend.
Arsenal new signing Raheem Sterling has explained why he has decided to be baptised in a move that has sparked mixed reactions from football fans online.
Sterling was captured on video dressed in pristine white, stepping into a pool of water as a congregation sang gospel hymns in the background.
Two church members were seen assisting him as he was gently dipped into the water, and the assembly joyfully sung “Goodbye World” upon his emergence.
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Sterling later explained that he had decided to get baptised since he had been on a path to destruction and needed to find Jesus to get his life back on track.
“The reason why I want to be baptised is because from a young age, maybe as young as my sons there, I have always had a dream to get my mum and my family out of a certain predicament and I always chase that dream you know but along the line, you are creating habits and ego,” Sterling told the congregation.
“I am chasing what I believe I wanted which is really who I really wanted growing up. So, I could sense that as I was growing up, maturing I could see I was chasing my ego, chasing what is really not for me. I was going to different environments, going to certain places and I came to a realisation that I don’t believe this is my life or who I truly I am.”
The England winger was among players jettisoned by new Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca before he found refuge at Arsenal, who took a chance on him on deadline day, on a season-long loan.
Sterling joined Chelsea from Manchester City for £50 million two years ago but did not light up Stamford Bridge during his stay before Maresca deemed him surplus to requirements.
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