AFTER COMPLETING HIS record-breaking move from Liverpool to Manchester City, Raheem Sterling admitted he was happy it was all over so he can start concentrating on football again.
The 20-year-old signed a five-year deal with Man City to end one of the summer’s longest running transfer sagas and become the most expensive English player ever.
He’s been at the centre of a contract stand-off as his relationship with Liverpool’s board, Brendan Rodgers and the fans became increasingly fraught.
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Speaking to his new club’s official website on Tuesday, Sterling said it was a ‘happy time’ for him and his family and the prospect of playing with world class players was an exciting one.
“It’s a good feeling and this is really happy time for me and my family,” he said. “I’m just glad it’s all over and done with and I can’t wait to get on the training field.
“The thing that excites me the most is the world class squad we have and knowing we have a team that is capable of winning things year in, year out. The more quality players that are around you, the more quality it brings out in you so I can’t wait to get started and play alongside them.”
Sterling turned down an improved £100,000-a-week contract offer at Anfield to spark endless speculation on his future but after having two initial bids rejected, City eventually got their man.
The former QPR winger will wear the number 7 jersey at Eastlands after his £49 million switch and revealed he spoke to England team-mate Joe Hart during international duty before completing the move.
“I spoke to Joe briefly on the last England trip,” the winger added. “He just told me what a really good football club this is and how nice the fans are – nothing too serious, but it was a bit of a heads up.”
Sterling will now join-up with his new team-mates for the pre-season tour in Australia but thanked Rafa Benitez, Kenny Dalgish and, finally, Rodgers for putting faith in him during his five years at Anfield.
'My mum thinks I look good in blue' - Sterling on his move from Liverpool to Man City
AFTER COMPLETING HIS record-breaking move from Liverpool to Manchester City, Raheem Sterling admitted he was happy it was all over so he can start concentrating on football again.
The 20-year-old signed a five-year deal with Man City to end one of the summer’s longest running transfer sagas and become the most expensive English player ever.
He’s been at the centre of a contract stand-off as his relationship with Liverpool’s board, Brendan Rodgers and the fans became increasingly fraught.
Speaking to his new club’s official website on Tuesday, Sterling said it was a ‘happy time’ for him and his family and the prospect of playing with world class players was an exciting one.
“It’s a good feeling and this is really happy time for me and my family,” he said. “I’m just glad it’s all over and done with and I can’t wait to get on the training field.
“The thing that excites me the most is the world class squad we have and knowing we have a team that is capable of winning things year in, year out. The more quality players that are around you, the more quality it brings out in you so I can’t wait to get started and play alongside them.”
Sterling turned down an improved £100,000-a-week contract offer at Anfield to spark endless speculation on his future but after having two initial bids rejected, City eventually got their man.
The former QPR winger will wear the number 7 jersey at Eastlands after his £49 million switch and revealed he spoke to England team-mate Joe Hart during international duty before completing the move.
“I spoke to Joe briefly on the last England trip,” the winger added. “He just told me what a really good football club this is and how nice the fans are – nothing too serious, but it was a bit of a heads up.”
Sterling will now join-up with his new team-mates for the pre-season tour in Australia but thanked Rafa Benitez, Kenny Dalgish and, finally, Rodgers for putting faith in him during his five years at Anfield.
You can watch the full interview below:
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New Challenge Raheem Sterling Manchester City