Premier League: Raheem Sterling excited about his future at Manchester City

Raheem Sterling has just signed a contract with Manchester City and he says he is delighted to be joining a club that should be challenging for trophies every season. The England international also took the time to thank Liverpool for developing his skills at the highest level. Manchester City paid 49 million pounds, the highest fee for any English player, and agreed on a five-year contract with the player.

Sterling told the club's official website: "The world-class players are here and a squad capable of winning things year in, year out. The more quality players that are around you, the more quality it brings out in you so I can't wait to get started and play alongside them. I'd like to thank Rafa Benitez for taking me to Liverpool as a 15-year-old – that was a massive step for me and a new challenge. Also to Kenny Dalglish for showing such faith in me and putting me in at such a young age. Finally, I'd like to thank Brendan Rodgers for giving me a chance and an opportunity in the first team, giving me my full debut – against City, funnily enough – and giving me a real chance to cement a place in the first team and show the world my talents."

About the transfer finally going through and about the record fee Sterling added: "It's a good feeling and a really happy time for me and my family. I'm just glad it's all over and done with and I can't wait to get on the training field. You don't think about things like that when you're that age but things have come really fast in the last couple of years. I've just had to learn to take it all in my stride but I never imagined I'd be at this point at the age I am now and breaking a British transfer record fee."

Sterling's new team mate, striker Sergio Aguero, is 4.00 at Bet365 to become the Premier League top goalscorer next season.