Raheem Sterling
The FA has offered Raheem Sterling their support after he revealed a tattoo of a gun on his right leg.
The England and Manchester City forward spoke out on Instagram about how the tattoo had a “deeper meaning” after criticism from the press and anti-gun campaigners.
“We all support Sterling and acknowledge the honest and heartfelt account he gave,” an FA spokesperson said. “He and the rest of the squad are focused solely on preparing for the forthcoming World Cup.”
He said that the tattoo, which he confirmed was unfinished, was a tribute to his father who was shot dead when Sterling was a boy.
“When I was two my father died from being gunned down to death,” Sterling said in a later Instagram post. “I made a promise to myself I would never touch a gun in my lifetime.
“I shoot with my right foot so it has a deeper meaning.”