Raheem Sterling (Photo : Reuters.com)
Raheem Sterling's move from Liverpool to Manchester City was deemed as one of the most protracted transfers in Premier League history. But as long drawn the transfer was, the striker's first goal with Man City came just three minutes after the start of the match against AS Roma for the International Champions Cup, a preseason friendly tourney.
The game was a draw at 2-2, but Sterling led the headlines following the match in Melbourne, Australia.
Sterling has scored 23 goals in 129 appearance for FC Liverpool tallied on their official site. In his first match with Man City, he quickly showed why it is justified for the club to spend big on him. He swept the ball in with a precise finish, beating a narrow offside trap just 129 seconds into the match.
The opening 45 minutes of the match was all he was given to prove his worth to the anxious supporters of the Sky Blues. After an impressive first half run, he was rested for the rest of the game.
The Italians kept themselves afloat through an equalizer by Miralem Pjanic before Kelechi Iheanacho of the Citizens finished neatly.
The 20-year-old is the most expensive English player ever checking in at £49 million or $76 million. It was not surprising that many critics expressed doubts on his ability to deliver for Manchester. But all the doubts were dispelled as the quick score of the English international sent Twitter ablaze. Liverpool fans reacted as well, with mixed comments about the star's future in his new home. Sterling reportedly left Liverpool because of his sour relationship with manager Brendan Rodgers.
All eyes are still on Sterling for his debut at the Premier League which will be on the 10th of August against West Bromwich Albion FC, according to the official EPL site.
