Raheem: Golden Boy prize means so much
Raheem Sterling gratefully collected Europe's Golden Boy award today and, after explaining why the personal recognition means so much, insisted that there is plenty more room for improvement in his game.
The Liverpool No.31 received the individual accolade for being picked out ahead of 39 shortlisted others as the most impressive young player in Europe for 2014 by a series of leading newspapers from around the continent.
Established by Italian publication Tuttosport more than a decade ago, the honour has previously been presented to the likes of Sergio Aguero, Mario Balotelli, Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney - and Sterling is the first Reds player to win the trophy.
It arrives as reward for a calendar year in which the 20-year-old has developed into a feared opponent to any defence at domestic and international level, with his natural talent bearing rich rewards and almost a Barclays Premier League title.
"It's a great achievement to win such an award," Sterling reflected to Liverpoolfc.com immediately upon receiving the prize. "It's a really happy feeling for me and my family, of course.
"Something I've always wanted to do is to work hard playing football and try to be recognised. I'm really grateful that people have shown me this recognition.
"It's down to hard work. I'm really happy that people are recognising that I'm trying to work hard and do my best for this football club. I'm really grateful for this award."
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The forward has been used in a more central role for Liverpool's last two matches by Brendan Rodgers and inspired his team to a 3-1 Capital One Cup victory at Bournemouth on Wednesday evening.
Next up for Sterling and the Reds is a Premier League battle with Arsenal tomorrow, and as he prepared for the challenge to be posed by the Gunners, the attacker explained why further progress is chief among his aims.
He added: "There's always room for improvement. At this moment in time, I should have a few more goals, but I've not taken some of my chances. But I'm young and learning all the time.
"This award just shows that hard work gets you where you want to be, and that I'm on the right track for where I want to be in my career. Hopefully I can just keep working hard and try to take my game to the next level."