Football
Jonathan Smith, Manchester City correspondent 8y

Raheem Sterling's first season at Man City a 'massive learning curve'

Raheem Sterling admits he has been through a "massive learning curve" since joining Manchester City in a £44 million deal last summer.

The 21-year-old forward struggled for form in the second half of the season as City's Premier League title challenge faltered.

Sterling started just one of City's final 12 games of the season after injuring his groin in the defeat to Manchester United in March.

He missed the run to the semifinals of the Champions League in a frustrating end to the season that prompted some reports that he may quit the Etihad this summer.

While Sterling says his season didn't go quite as he'd hoped, he insists it has improved him as a player.

"I've learned quite a bit going from my first year at City," he told reporters. "It has been a massive learning curve and I'll definitely take that into next season.

"I'm improving. I haven't scored as many goals as I've wanted to but I'm definitely improving, especially mentally.

"That's the most important thing for me -- my mentality to not to really listen to outsiders and to just concentrate on myself and express myself.

"It was frustrating when the injury kicked in and it was hard getting back into the City team but that's what happens when you've got top players around you."

The former Liverpool player is now looking forward to this summer's European Championship in France despite some suggestions that his place in the England squad was under threat.

He is expected to be a firm part of England boss Roy Hodgson's plans after impressing in the two pre-tournament friendlies against Turkey and Australia.

"There was not one point I was really worried because I was really looking forward to coming away with England and hopefully book a place at France," he added.

"I wouldn't really say I had a point to prove, it was just about playing my game because after working with Roy over the last few years he knows me well.

"Hopefully I have shown him that I've got something to have a positive impact in the tournament."

Sterling added that he relishes the creative responsibility that Hodgson puts on his shoulders.

"It's really positive when the manager tells you every time you get the ball that he wants you to go forward," he added.

"It's really good. In every training session, if I don't go forward then the manager has a real dig at me.

"That's something I'm relishing and something I enjoy. When someone really pushes you to want to go forward and play.

"I'm most definitely enjoying my football. I played more centrally against Australia and it's a position I can get in behind and get closer to goal.

"Sometimes I get drawn into staying out too wide, but when I come inside I can get closer to the box and start creating things."

^ Back to Top ^