Man City’s Sterling: I give everything for my father

Manchester City midfielder Raheem Sterling admits the desire to put in a performance for his late father is what drives him on to leave everything on the football pitch.

The England man has been the centre of attention ever since he was a teenager, with the expectation undoubtedly ramped up following his £49million move from Liverpool back in July 2015.

That pressure has also carried into the international arena, with fans expecting something special almost every time he takes to the field with the Three Lions.

And while he isn’t able to produce a gem in every match, Sterling has certainly shown more than the odd flash of brilliance whoever he has turned out for.

That was never more evident than for England against Italy in the 2014 World Cup opener, delivering a mesmeric performance despite being on the losing side, making the No.10 role his own against one of the best defences in the world.

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

And Sterling insists it’s the memory of his late father – who died in Kingston, Jamaica when he was young – that gives him the incentive to deliver his top game.

“I remember the Italy game like it was no time ago,” he said. “It was a massive game for me – I just thought to myself: ‘If only my dad was here’.

“So to myself I said: ‘I need to play well for him because he’s never been at a football match. He’s never seen me on a football pitch.’

“So I wanted to win that game and we never won in the end but it was an alright performance from me. I was just so determined to do well.

“Performing for my dad does drive me on. Especially in big games, massive games. Like the [FA Cup] semi-final against Arsenal coming up, that’ll be the next thing in my head about him.

“Whenever it comes to an important day like that he always runs through my head. You’re always thinking, ‘It’s a great atmosphere, great scenery, he never experienced this.’”