Praise for Sterling after Man City win

Raheem Sterling received fulsome praise from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola after starring in the team’s 5-0 Champions League win away to Steaua Bucharest.

The 21-year-old from Harlesden set up two of the goals and was also fouled for a penalty, missed by Sergio Aguero.

Although he scored 11 goals in 46 appearances in his first season at City, following a £47m move from Liverpool, Sterling had found himself out of the team towards the end of the campaign and put in subdued performances for England during Euro 2016.

But he answered his critics with a masterful performance in Romania – and Guardiola was very impressed.

Speaking to BT Sport, the ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss said: “He’s a fantastic player. That’s why Manchester City were so clever to buy him last season.

“He has a lot of quality – he’s fast, has a good work ethic, can play right or left, go out to the line or go in the middle. But he’s young and has to learn a lot.”

Sterling, who began his career in QPR’s academy, added: “It’s been a good start to the season so far for me, but most importantly it’s two games and two wins.

“I’ve come back with a good mentality. I just want to play football.”