Raheem Sterling exclusive interview
Raheem Sterling today spoke of his delight at committing his long-term future to Liverpool – and promised fans there is much more to come from him over the next few years.
The 18-year-old put pen to paper on the deal at Melwood on Friday afternoon.
And as the ink was drying on his new contract, Sterling sat down with Liverpoolfc.com to reflect on the day's events.
Watch the chat for free below or read the transcript.
Raheem, how happy are you to have signed your new contract with Liverpool?
It's a relief really. I'm really happy to sign for such a big club. Just to get it over and done with is great.
What does it feel like, as an 18-year-old to be committing your future to one of the biggest clubs in world football?
It's every 18-year-old's dream, especially coming up to Christmas and given that my birthday has just gone. There's not much more that I could have asked for. I'm just really grateful to be at such a big club like this.
It's been really big season for you, establishing yourself in the first team. What does it mean for you to pull on the red shirt on a matchday?
I think I can speak for every single player here - it's just an unbelievable feeling walking out at Anfield. Playing at such a big stadium with such a big atmosphere and with unbelievable fans is brilliant.
You've made such fantastic progress this season but how hungry are you to continue to learn? There's still a lot more to be done isn't there?
There's a lot more to be done. I haven't begun yet as the manager has said it's just been good to get a few minutes on the pitch and hopefully I can kick on after the New Year and try to do my best for the team and the football club.
How has working with Brendan Rodgers been in terms of on and off the pitch?
I can't say much more about the guy than what has already been said - he's a brilliant manager. The way he speaks to both young and senior players, you have to really compliment him for that. He just treats every one as one and that's really good to have at a football club.
There's been a lot of speculation in the press about your long-term future. Just how eager where you to commit yourself to Liverpool?
It's so frustrating that everyone, especially on Twitter, thinks you are not going to sign when you know deep down that you are going to sign sooner or later. So it was just really good to get it over and done with. I'm happy with that.
You've been at the club since 2010. How has the club helped your progress since then? How grateful are you for the help of the club?
Coming in as a 15-year-old was really hard but with the coaching staff we have at the Academy, it was made easier. I'm really grateful to the style of play that they play there as well. I have learned from that.
It's a long-term deal. How excited are you about what you and the club can achieve under Brendan Rodgers in the years to come?
In the New Year, you can expect more from Liverpool, especially when the manager gets his players in. We'll stride forward and hopefully do what we know we can do.
What really gives you the hunger to go on and make sure your future is long and successful?
Mainly my family, who have helped me through everything that we have gone through. I just want to try and make them proud of me and make them happy. Football is obviously one of the things that I enjoy, so I don't think that I will ever lose the hunger. I'll just keep striving to do better for both myself and the team.
Finally Raheem, a word on the supporters - they have been brilliant with you since you arrived in the team, what does that support mean to you?
It's been brilliant. Ever since I was given my chance, the fans have been great. Just to know that the fans are backing you is a good thing, so hopefully I can just who them on the pitch that I can give a bit back and show them what a decent player I am.
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