Raheem Sterling will be hoping to inspire England to glory in France this summer.
Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling has answered the doubters who have criticised him this season emphatically, claiming he has improved, as reported by Sky Sports News.
The 21-year-old England international made the move from Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium in the summer, but he has thus far failed to live up to his £49 million price tag.
Sterling’s season has been one littered with inconsistent displays. He has made only 23 Premier League starts along with eight substitute appearances. In those games he managed only six goals, while contributing with just two assists.
He has found himself the target for heavy criticsim from fans and pundits alike all season long, but he responded by explaining how he is developing as a footballer and how he is indeed improving, telling Sky Sports:
“I think I’m improving, yeah, definitely. I haven’t scored as many goals or assisted as many goals as I’ve wanted to, but I’m definitely improving mentally. That’s the most important thing for me – my mentality to not really listen to outsiders and to just concentrate on myself and be myself and express myself.”
At such a young age, it is incredible to think that Sterling has already racked up 21 international caps with England. He will be recognised as one of Roy Hodgson’s key men as they enter the tournament, and much will be expected of him.
Sterling also spoke about how Hodgson has influenced his performances in a positive manner.
“It’s really positive when the manager tells you every time you get the ball that he wants you to go forwards,” the City star said. “I’m most definitely enjoying my football. It’s really good. Every training session if I don’t go forward the manager kind of has a dig at me so that’s something I’m relishing and something I really enjoy.”
The only way Sterling can silence his critics is by putting in match-winning performances on the pitch, and what better place to start than France in the upcoming European Championships?
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