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Raheem Sterling regrets manner of Liverpool exit

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Raheem Sterling told Fox Sports in Australia that he is unhappy with how his exit from Liverpool was handled.

Raheem Sterling says he is disappointed with how he left Liverpool.

The England international completed a £49m move to Manchester City this week but was criticised for the way the transfer came about. 

Sterling rejected a contract extension with Liverpool and he and his agent Aidy Ward publicly stated the player's desire not to sign a new deal at Anfield. 

As City's interest emerged, Sterling then missed two days of pre-season training due to illness and reportedly told Reds boss Brendan Rodgers he didn't want to play for him or go on the club's pre-season tour

"I was a bit disappointed how I left," Sterling said ahead of Man City's friendly with Melbourne City. 

"That was the main problem I've had with the situation - how I've left it with Liverpool. 

"I'm good with everyone at the football club, the manager, the players and I wish them well for the new season. 

"But it was really disappointing how it did finish off."

Raheem Sterling arrives after signing for Manchester City (Pic courtesy of City TV)
Image: Sterling completed his Man City move this week (Pic courtesy of City TV)

However, Sterling says he was determined to join City as soon as he knew they were targeting him. 

The 20-year-old linked up with his new team-mates on their pre-season tour in Australia and is adamant he's made the right move. 

"From the first moment I heard City were interested in me [I wanted to join], purely because of the direction the football club is going in," he said. 

"I've met all my team-mates now and it's been a really good few days, they've made me feel welcome and I'm really happy to be here. I think I made the right decision."

Raheem Sterling Man City
Image: Raheem Sterling watched Manchester City beat Melbourne City 1-0

Sterling is also confident he will be able to cope with the pressure his large price tag will bring - and has his heart set on winning trophies in his first season with City. 

"As a footballer playing in the Premier League for such big clubs you're always going to have pressure but you just have to deal with that and take it in your stride," he said.  

"I've got my own personal goals - assist ambitions - and hopefully doing really well for this football club and trying to get trophies." 

Sterling transfer timeline
Sterling transfer timeline

We look at how Raheem Sterling's £49m move to Man City happened...

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