Sterling not performing to prove anything

Caep Town - A resurgent Raheem Sterling reveals he is delighted by the way he has started the season for Manchester City, and pledged to work hard to maintain his form.

The pacey winger became the most expensive English footballer in history when the Citizens paid Liverpool £49 million to bring him to the Etihad at the start of last season, but came in for severe criticism after many felt his performances failed to live up to the price tag.

However, the 21-year-old looks revitalised this season under new manager Pep Guardiola and has already scored two goals and provided and assists in three Premier League matches so far.

"I'm enjoying my football and I am enjoying winning games and I am working hard to continue doing that. This is the season you will see me working my hardest, that's for sure," he told reporters.

"I didn't come into the season thinking: 'I want to show everyone'. But just to concentrate on my football, that's the most important thing.

"People will talk, 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."

Sterling's form has caught the eye of new England boss Sam Allardyce, who named the young winger in his squad for their World Cup qualifier against Slovakia on Sunday.