Manchester: Raheem Sterling has revealed how a text message from Pep Guardiola helped him bounce back from the lowest point in his fledgling career.
Sterling’s form had been questioned ever since his 50 million pounds (Dh240.56 million) move from Liverpool to Manchester City a year ago, but it took a more spiteful twist when he was turned into a scapegoat for England’s stuttering Euro 2016 campaign in June. The winger found himself being booed by England supporters and vilified on social media to such an extent that he even described himself as the “hated one”.
At the age of just 21, Sterling’s career was suffering a crisis that could have damaged him beyond repair. Guardiola, though, moved swiftly to limit the impact, texting him not only to reassure him that he would be part of his plans at City, but also promising that he would thrive, no matter how bad things seemed.
“It was a big lift,” said Sterling, when asked about the text from the new manager he had not yet met. “The manager’s been in the game a long time, worked with young players, worked with great players, and I think he knows how to get the best out of his players and he’s been a massive help. But not just for me, but the whole team.
“It’s good to have a manager who not just talks to me, but makes the whole team feel really welcome, makes everyone feel they are all one, whether you are starting or not. Everyone’s hungry, everyone’s ready to run and play for him.I knew if I kept working hard I would get my chances.”
Sterling has started his second season at the Etihad superbly, scoring twice in City’s 3-1 win over West Ham on Sunday.
“I’m enjoying my football and I am enjoying winning games and I am working hard.”
A hungry, re-energised Sterling is not only good news for City, but good news for England, too.
