It has been a weird season but I can end it on a high for club and country
STERLING TARGETS A ‘FAMOUS FIVE’ TO SILENCE DOUBTERS
RAHEEM STERLING is determined to end a “weird season” on a high by firing both club and country to European glory.
The Manchester City striker admits he has failed to hit the heights of previous campaigns.
But he says he can still play a big role for both City and England and is targeting an incredible five pieces of silverware.
“This season, for me personally, has been a very weird one but I am still enjoying my football and giving my all to the team,” said Sterling.
“If I don’t score or do something to help the team, I am not happy coming off the field.
“But this is the perfect time of the season now. Last week against Borussia Dortmund I was itching to come on but didn’t come on – but you have to wait for your opportunity to make a mark.”
The Premier League leaders go to Germany for tomorrow’s second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie with a 2-1 lead as they chase the Quadruple.
Sterling has been under par judged against his own standards, with just nine league goals and seven assists this term.
The 26-year-old has made huge strides in his previous five seasons with City, culminating in his 20 league goals in the last campaign.
Manager Pep Guardiola has started Sterling in just two of City’s past seven games, admitting last week he simply cannot ignore the claims of the in-form Phil Foden, above, and Riyad Mahrez at the moment.
The sight of Sterling on the bench as an unused substitute in the first leg against Dortmund prompted many to question his form.
And his inclusion in the starting XI in the defeat against 10-man Leeds on Saturday hardly pushed his case for a start against the Bundesliga side tomorrow. Sterling claims he is used to having his form questioned and insists he will emerge stronger.
“When I got into the first team at Liverpool fans on the outside were always saying he can’t do this and can’t do that,” Sterling told BT Sport.
“So I had to buckle up and say, ‘Right I know I can do it’.
“I might not be the best goalscorer in the world but I know I can get goals and I can win football matches.” Sterling knows he has to hit form with City if he is to achieve his ultimate aims, which could yet result in him winning the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, Champions League, Premier League and, with England, the Euros.
And, despite having 61 caps, Sterling conceded that competition is so strong to get into Gareth Southgate’s summer squad he is taking nothing for granted.
He said: “It is about doing stuff for your club. I’m hopefully looking to end the season on a high with City now and then turn my focus to England.
“I definitely want to be a part of that group for the Euros. A good bunch of quality players who are all in contention to start.
“We are really focused on winning and putting in a good performance, trying to achieve to be the No1 team in the world.
“I always say when we go away with the national team don’t be shy in saying that – there is no issue in saying that.”
● BT Sport is the only place to watch the UEFA Champions League, including Borussia Dortmund v Manchester City on BT Sport 3 from 7.15pm tomorrow.