Raheem Sterling: Manchester City star meets young football fan who was racially abused and gives him a signed shirt and more advice

Raheem Sterling met the young football fan he wrote an inspirational letter to after learning he was racially abused.

Ethan Ross, who was the victim of racism, was sent a letter after his grandmother Sue contacted the Manchester City star.

The 13-year-old plays for Newport County’s under-14 side as a goalkeeper and Sterling met the youngster when City travelled to Rodney Parade for their fifth round FA Cup tie with Newport, which they won 4-1.

Paul Hirst of The Times reports the City star gave Ethan a signed shirt and spent more time with him offering advice.

The paper had told the Manchester club that Ross was planning to attend the match with his mother, Vicki, and they arranged for him to meet Sterling after the final whistle.

The England winger then tweeted on Monday: “It was probably as heartwarming for me as it was for you to finally meet up, Ethan. Again, always be proud of who you are, and never stay silent. #SpeakUp #youthsarethefuture”

Sterling initially sent a letter, along with a signed photo, to the teenager after being contacted about the racist abuse he had suffered.

The letter said: “Dear Ethan,

“I have recently been told from your loving Nanna Sue about the tough time you are having with racial abuse.

“Remember to stand tall and be proud of who you are and don’t let them take away your courage. You are strong and very brave, and your Nanna is also very proud of you. Keep being you kid.

“Remember speaking up doesn’t always make life easy, but easy never changed anything.

“With kind regards,

“Raheem Sterling.”

Sterling was allegedly racially abused during City’s 2-0 defeat at Chelsea in December, and afterwards took to Instagram the following day to claim the media ‘helps fuel racism’.

He said he expected no better at Stamford Bridge, and compared two stories involving two of his City team-mates to highlight his point.