Raheem Sterling received a warm reception from Manchester City fans on his first return to the Etihad since his move to Chelsea, following a request from Pep Guardiola.
The Citizens boss asked supporters to remember everything the England international had done for the Premier League champions during his seven years in Manchester and to refrain from jeering when the two sides meet in the Carabao Cup this Wednesday.
"I definitely hope so [that he gets a warm welcome at the Etihad Stadium]," Guardiola said in his press conference ahead of the game. "I always like the clubs when they welcome the guys who have been here many years and have been a key figure and had an important role in our team in all these years."
Sterling was named on the bench for Chelsea in the EFL Cup third-round clash but warmed up along the touchline during the first half in full view of the City fans.
And Guardiola's request was respected, with Citizens supporters clapping the forward.
Sterling recently opened up on his summer exit from City, where he admitted he was "fuming" and "raging" towards the end of his time at the club and that it was the right time to leave.
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"Everyone wants to feel wanted, football is no different," Sterling told Sky Sports. "When you play your heart out, sacrifice some of your kids' birthdays, and then get treated in a certain way, it's disappointing.
"At the time I was fuming, raging, but it's gone, it's in the past and I can only focus on the present, which is now, here at Chelsea, and the opportunity I've got here to go out and showcase my talents once again."
Sterling has played 19 times in all competitions for Chelsea this season under both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter. He is expected to be called up to England's World Cup squad by Gareth Southgate on Thursday.
