England manager Roy Hodgson believes that new Manchester City signing Raheem Sterling has what it takes to become a success for his new club and that he can live up to his £ 49 million transfer fee.

The former Liverpool winger has antagonised a lot of his supporters at his previous club mainly because of his desire to join City. The move, however, was not a smooth one since Liverpool were not interested in selling him. Sterling had to force his way out of Anfield and this meant a lot of public interviews against the club. As a result, the 20-year-old found himself at the backlash of many fans during the pre-season tour.

Hodgson, though, says that Sterling has enough quality to cope with the pressure that comes with a massive transfer fee his shoulders. The England international has become the most expensive player in City’s history – surpassing the likes of Sergio Aguero and Yaya Touré – and he has a lot to live up to. Sterling reportedly turned down a £ 100,000 per week offer from Liverpool in order to join City. His decision appears to have been made with the prospect of winning titles in mind. The massive wealth allows City to challenge for all trophies.

“The fact he was playing for a club with a very strong fan base, not only in England but in other parts of the world, and unfortunately for him, I suppose, the fans locally at Liverpool took unkindly to the fact that he made it clear he wanted to move. That is part and parcel of football really. But I think if anything that will help him to mature and improve even more. I think for his age he is a remarkably strong and robust person, not just physically on the field but mentally,” said Hodgson.