The Citizen (KZN)

Sterling the glory-hunter

I WANT ANOTHER TITLE

- London

Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling says he is hungry to win the Premier League again, warning the champions against complacenc­y as they chase more glory.

Pep Guardiola’s men were confirmed as champions with five matches still to play last Sunday when Manchester United were beaten by West Brom.

“This is my first Premier League title so who cares how you win it, whether it was on the pitch or on my sofa, I’m just delighted to win the title,” said the England internatio­nal.

“It’s been a dream ever since I was a kid growing up playing football with my mates and winning it means everything.

“It’s important we don’t get complacent though. It’s amazing to win it, but now it’s about the next one.”

The England internatio­nal, who joined City from Liverpool in 2015, has progressed rapidly this season and Guardiola said at the weekend the 23-year-old could become one of the best players in the world.

Sterling, who has scored 22 goals, 17 in the Premier League, is relishing the opportunit­y to work with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss.

“It’s all about the basics with him. He pushes you to be better at the small things and that improves your performanc­e,” said Sterling.

“It’s been great for me to learn in this environmen­t and improve as a player under him. He’s one of the best managers in the world.”

Guardiola’s transfer policy addressed the need to bring down the average age of the squad, with Leroy Sane one of those bought in the summer of 2016 to do just that.

The German internatio­nal has provided a cutting edge on the opposite flank to Sterling while also chipping in with 13 goals.

With his first title in the bag the 22-year-old is looking forward to a period of sustained success.

“We have a young team but also a lot of experience within the squad as well. It’s a good mix,” he said. – AFP

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from South Africa