FOOTIE star Raheem Sterling was baptized in a tank of water as he publicly declared his faith in God — and “cleansed” himself of past sins.<br /><br />The England forward, 29, was filmed taking the plunge dressed in a white gown, with a congregation singing gospel songs.<br /><br />The Jamaica-born forward, on loan at Arsenal from Chelsea, was fully immersed by two church elders at last weekend’s ceremony at a London Caribbean Baptist church.<br /><br />A source close to the star said: “Raheem said a few words which were incredibly powerful and moving.<br /><br />He understood this was a public declaration of his faith and an opportunity to cleanse himself of any ego, or bad habits of the past.”<br /><br />Sterling is preparing to make his debut for new side Arsenal today in the North London derby with Tottenham.<br /><br />The winger joined Mikel Arteta's side on deadline day after Chelsea made clear they were looking to move him on.<br /><br />A loan deal had to be struck, with Chelsea still paying a large percentage of Sterling's wages.<br /><br />Arsenal are pushing to make up ground on league leaders Manchester City.<br /><br />And with key stars Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard out of action due to suspension and injury, the stage is set for new signing Sterling to step up.
