Raheem Sterling ready to play ‘big part’ in Arsenal’s chase for trophies

Raheem Sterling believes he has “still got a big part to play” in Arsenal’s chase for silverware this season after helping the club into the last eight of the Champions League, where they will face Real Madrid.

England international Sterling contributed two assists as the Gunners drew 2-2 on Wednesday evening but swept to a 9-3 aggregate success over PSV Eindhoven.

In doing so he became the first ever English player to be directly involved in at least one goal for four different clubs in the Champions League.

The 30-year-old has now also contributed to 46 goals in the competition (27 goals, 19 assists), with David Beckham (52), Harry Kane (50) and Wayne Rooney (47), the only Englishmen to have delivered more.

“It was nice to be out there and contribute to the team,” Sterling told TNT Sports.

“I know what I am capable of. You just want to be playing. You are at a top club with top players and you just have to wait for your moment. And that is what I am doing.”

Sterling, who was player of the match against PSV, has found himself largely on the periphery this term since joining Arsenal on a season-long loan from Chelsea last August.

He has struggled for goals and has not scored since September’s 5-1 win over League One Bolton in the Carabao Cup.

His appearance against the Eredivisie side was also only his third start this term in Europe’s elite club competition, while eight of his 12 Premier League outings have come as a substitute.