RIO FERDINAND is happy to see Raheem Sterling put his Chelsea nightmare in the rear-view mirror.
The England international completed a deadline-day loan move to Arsenal earlier this week after Blues boss Enzo Maresca told him he was surplus to requirements.
Barring a massive change of heart from Maresca, Sterling likely would’ve sat on the sidelines until January.
And Ferdinand is pleased the veteran forward managed to avoid a prolonged period of inactivity.
The former Manchester United star said on his YouTube channel: “What a mad circus act this was.
“But I’m just pleased and happy that the situation got sorted out for Raheem Sterling and he got a move he wanted.
“‘The situation wasn’t handled properly – it could’ve been better from Chelsea. But I’m glad he’s gone now.
“It’s a great business by Arsenal. From their perspective, this is a ridiculous bit of business.
“You’re getting an experienced winger who has won four league titles, he knows how to get it done.
“He’s played for some of the biggest clubs this country has to offer.”
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Ferdinand reckons the addition of Sterling will help Arsenal in their bid to end their 21-year-long wait for Premier League glory.
The 45-year-old continued: “He knows the path to trophies and that is invaluable.
“How Chelsea have let that out the door I don’t know, it’s crazy.
“‘his is a marriage made in heaven for Arsenal. It’s a perfect fit for me. Raheem has something to prove, too.
“I think he will deliver there and I’ll say it again, I think Arsenal will win the league this year and this signing only reinforces that thought.
“I think he could be that important.”
Sterling, 29, watched from the stands on Saturday as the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton.
And he’s relishing the new task ahead of him, saying: “It’s an unbelievable feeling. It’s really exciting.
“It [the move] is one where we kind of left it late, but it’s one I was hoping for.
“Looking at everything, I’m just, like, “this is a perfect fit for me”, and I’m super happy that we got it over the line.”
Sterling could make his Arsenal bow a week on Sunday when the Gunners face Tottenham Hotspur in the first North London derby of the season.
