English Premiership
Sterling signs Liverpool deal
2012-12-21 18:12
Raheem Sterling (AFP Photo)
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London - Teenage England winger Raheem Sterling has committed his future to Liverpool by signing a long-term contract, the club announced on Friday.
The fleet-footed 18-year-old has established himself as a first-team regular at Anfield, making 25 appearances to date, and made his England debut in a friendly against Sweden in November.
There had been speculation that Sterling was considering a move away from the club, with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers warning him not to be "foolish", but he said he was thrilled to sign a new deal.
"It's every 18-year-old's dream. I'm just really grateful to be at such a big club like this," Sterling told the Liverpool website.
"There's a lot more to be done. I haven't begun yet, as the manager has said. Hopefully I can kick on after the New Year and try to do my best for the team and the football club."
Sterling joined Liverpool from Queens Park Rangers in February 2010 and only made his first-team debut in a game against Wigan Athletic in March this year.
"This is another positive step forward for the football club in securing the long-term future of one of the country's brightest young talents," said Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre.