Even in a world in which players increasingly resemble commodities, and in which Sterling himself was not slow to push for a move from Liverpool when Manchester City came calling in 2015, there was sympathy in some quarters at his treatment.

But after Arsenal's late intervention, Sterling has been presented with the ideal outcome and opportunity. He is able to stay in his native London and joins a club hoping to bridge the gap to Manchester City and become Premier League champions this season, with the added attraction of Champions League football.