'I was two when my father was gunned down': England star Raheem Sterling's emotional explanation for gun tattoo

Sterling explains the gun tattoo [Photo: Courtesy]

Raheem Sterling has explained the emotional reason behind his gun tattoo.

Images emerged of the England and Manchester City star's new M16 assault rifle ink on his leg as he continues his preparations for the World Cup.

Sterling's tattoo was branded "disgusting" and "totally unacceptable" by anti-gun campaigners, suggesting it gives off the wrong impression to his fans.

Raheem Sterling displays a tattoo of an assault rifle [Photo: Courtesy]

Lucy Cope of Mothers Against Guns told The Sun: "He’s supposed to be a role model but chooses to glamourise guns.”

But the 23-year-old has moved to explain the tattoo, insisting it relates to his late father, who was murdered.

"When I was 2 my father died from being gunned down to death I made a promise to myself I would never touch a gun in my life time," he posted on Instagram.

"I shoot with my right foot so it has a deeper meaning and still unfinished."

Sterling had initially shared a picture of his new tattoo on Monday as England prepare for this weekend's clash with Nigeria.

Raheem Sterling takes part in a training session [Photo: Courtesy]

England begin their World Cup campaign against Tunisia in Russia on June 18.

They will expect to reach the knockout stages of the competition with Belgium and Panama joining them in Group G.