RAHEEM: MY WEIRD SEASON
If I don’t score or do something to help the team I’m not happy to come off.. but this is now the perfect time At Liverpool, fans said I couldn’t do this or that... I might not be the best goalscorer in the world but I can win football matches
I want City to finish on a high and then it’s the Euros. We shouldn’t be shy saying that England can be No.1
RAHEEM STERLING is determined to end a “weird season” on a high by firing club and country to European glory.
The Manchester City striker has admitted he has failed to hit the heights achieved during previous campaigns.
But he insists he is can still play a big role for both the Blues and England and is targeting an incredible five pieces of silverware.
“This season for me 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 Dortmund I was itching to come on but didn’t. You have to wait for your
opportunity to make a mark.” Premier League leaders City go to Germany for tomorrow’s Champions League quarterfinal, second leg with a 2-1 lead against Borussia Dortmund in a season where they are chasing the Quadruple.
Sterling has had been under par judged against his own standards with just nine Premier League goals and seven assists.
In his previous five seasons since signing for City he has increased his tally in each campaign, culminating in his 20 goals last season.
Manager Pep Guardiola has started Sterling, 26, in just two of their last seven games, admitting last week he simply cannot ignore the claims of the in-form Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez at the moment.
The sight of him 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.
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 see him win Carabao Cup, FA Cup, Champions League, Premier League and the Euros with
England. And he conceded competition is so strong for Gareth Southgate’s summer squad that 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. There is 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 No.1 team in the world.
“I always say when we go with the national team we shouldn’t be shy in saying that, there is no issue in saying it.”
■ BT Sport is the only place to watch the UEFA Champions League, including Dortmund v Man City on BT Sport 3 from 7.15pm tomorrow.