Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has described Raheem Sterling as "mentally strong" and "focused" following his bright start to the new season.
Sterling endured a difficult first year at the Etihad Stadium following his protracted £50m transfer from Liverpool, and was criticised further for his performances for England at Euro 2016.
However, Guardiola is confident that Sterling will show his best on the field when he stops thinking about matters off it.
"He showed me from the start that he is strong, mentally strong. He has just focused on his job," Guardiola told reporters.
"That's it. When that happens he is going to do good things for us and the England national team. I'm pretty sure of that.
"Just focus and the people will stop talking about what happened off the pitch, and just talk about what happens on the pitch. Everything is going well, I'm pretty sure of that."
Sterling has already registered one assist and won two penalties for Man City this season.
Barney Corkhill
