Manchester City star Raheem Sterling quit Liverpool to “play with the best”

The England ace left Anfield to move to the Etihad in a £49million deal 18 months ago, and has explained the reasons behind his switch

Raheem Sterling insists he moved to Manchester City in a bid to take his game to the next level.

The England star quit Liverpool for their Premier League rivals 18 months ago after City splashed out £49million for his services.

Sterling was part of the Reds side who were pipped to the title, but claims he could only reach his potential by playing with the calibre of players in City’s squad, reports the Liverpool Echo .

“It was just about the players that were here,” he said in an interview with Four Four Two .

“I could name 10 or 11 who have played at the highest level – people like Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Yaya Toure.

“For me to develop my game I’ve got to be playing with the best and that’s why I came here.”

Sterling was blooded into the Liverpool first team under Brendan Rodgers.

But the forward’s desire to win trophies meant he had no hesitation in leaving Anfield once City came calling.

“When I was younger, I could always see this club growing and achieving great things,” he said.

“When I found out that they were interested in signing me, there were no second thoughts.

“I want to be fighting for trophies for the next 10 years, and there’s no better place to do that than here.”

Sterling has enjoyed an impressive start to the season under new manager Pep Guardiola, scoring five goals.

But he made a slow start to life at the Etihad and the 21-year-old put last season’s mixed form down to his need to adjust to new surroundings.

“It all came so thick and fast last year that I didn’t get much thinking time to myself,” he said.

“When you sign, you’ve got to move house, adjust to the city – there was just a lot going on. But i’m not making excuses.”

“This is the job I signed up for and it’s the job that I love the most. Maybe last year was a difficult time, but that’s all in the past.”