Sterling Will Prove Chelsea Wrong

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is backing Raheem Sterling to prove Chelsea they were wrong to pull out of the bidding for his talents.

Jose Mourinho was interested in Sterling when it became apparent Liverpool were prepared to sell the 20-year-old, but the Chelsea manager was not willing to match the £49 million City invested.

Sterling will get the opportunity to show Mourinho what he is missing during the Premier League's first meeting of title contenders on Sunday.

Pellegrini is sure Sterling will repay the massive fee, and believes the youngster's on-field partnership with Sergio Aguero will rekindle memories of his spell alongside Luis Suarez two years ago.

Aguero is likely to make his first start of the season against the champions, creating one of the more diminutive but deadly attacks with Sterling and David Silva.

"It is always important for young players to play with good players. You can improve, the same way Sterling did with Luis Suarez or Steven Gerrard for Liverpool," said Pellegrini. "Here he will play with David Silva, Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure - players that will make him improve in a lot of ways. Young players always learn from important players.

"Sterling will be a very dangerous player. Maybe we were criticised for the amount we paid for him but I am sure he will demonstrate during the year, especially against the big teams, why he was valued so much. Last year he scored 11 in all competitions. I am sure this season he will improve."
-Telegraph, London