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Sterling’s well matured
FERNANDINHO believes a change of lifestyle has helped Manchester City ace Raheem Sterling mature into one of the world’s biggest stars.
Sterling has scored 17 goals in just 18 appearances for both club and country this season.
The flying winger, 24, has also become a trailblazer in the fight against racism.
His profile and worth has never been higher, with blue chip companies queueing up to sponsor him as Sterling looks to succeed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the most recognised player on the planet.
Fernandinho believes the England star can get even better and that the way he now leads his life has helped him improve on the pitch.
The Brazil international said: “I think he is taking the chances we create as a team and that’s good because we create a lot.
“He’s improved a lot, the way he finishes. He scores goals and the way he grew up as a player and a person, he gets more experience.
“That’s good for him and I hope he can continue to grow up and improve more.
“Sometimes we fail in some actions, sometimes we make some mistakes, that’s normal.
“Especially when you are young, but he’s improved outside the pitch.
“He changed his style of life, style of living and it helps him a
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lot on the pitch. He’s taken more responsibility on the pitch. He’s a father too. You start to see the world in a different way and you start to see things changing.
“I think he’s done very well and we are so happy for him.”
Meanwhile, Sterling’s boss Pep Guardiola has backed title rival Jurgen Klopp by insisting too many games are wrecking modern footballers.
Liverpool manager Klopp has complained about his side’s fixture pile-up, with the Reds struggling to find a date for their Carabao Cup quarter-final away to Aston Villa.
Guardiola, whose side host Southampton today, said: “I completely agree. Less games. Less fixtures, less competitions, more recovery.
“We play December 27 and 29 in winter. It’s always the debate, in UEFA meetings they talk about it. I’m with Jurgen about it being too much.”
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