Sterling: Hard work paying off

Raheem Sterling says he is loving life under new Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola after making a fine start to the new campaign.

The winger scored twice in a 3-1 win over West Ham on Sunday to help the Citizens maintain their 100 per cent start to the season, while he also impressed in earlier wins against Sunderland and Stoke.

Sterling was heavily criticised for a series of underwhelming performances for City and England last season, but looks revitalised under the tutelage of Guardiola.

And the 21-year-old has vowed to work harder than ever to ensure his good form continues.

Photo by Chris Brunskill/Getty Images

“I didn’t come into the season thinking ‘I want to show everyone’, but rather just to concentrate on my football – that’s the most important thing,” he said.

“People will talk and stuff like that, but the most important thing for me was to come in and do well under the new manager and impress here. I knew if I kept working hard, I would get my chances.

“I’m enjoying my football, I’m enjoying winning games and I’m working hard to continue doing that. This is the season you will see me working my hardest, that’s for sure.”