Raheem Sterling is a fast learner — he’s had to be.
The Liverpool teenager has yet to complete a full senior season, but his career has already been full of twists and turns.
There have been the highs: making his first start for Liverpool — as a 17-year-old — in a 2-2 draw against Manchester City, and being handed a senior England debut by head coach Hodgson.
But there have been significant lows, too. The serious thigh injury that ruled him out of the final months of last season and this summer’s European Under-21 Championships.
And last week, a court case over allegations of assault were dropped after the prosecutor offered no evidence against Sterling.
The allegations were thrown out of court last week after the prosecutor offered no evidence against the forward.
So, you’d have forgiven Sterling for breathing a massive sigh of relief during this candid interview at the plush Wembley Hilton Hotel last Friday.
But there was nothing of the sort from the 18-year-old. He’s only interested in learning from the ordeal.
‘As your profile gets bigger, the more public attraction you get and the more people try to take advantage of you,’ said Sterling.
‘You have to know who you are talking to. As I grow up, I learn from my past.
‘People try to become hangers on. When you see someone you don’t really know and they are trying to be your friend then you have to be careful.
‘When you haven’t done anything wrong but you still have to go to court, it’s something you don’t want to hear.
‘Just because you’re a footballer, people want to make you a target. That’s the way of life (for a footballer).
‘People try to portray me as a bad person, but that isn’t fair. I’m glad it’s all over now.
‘I just try to keep myself to myself, keep my head down and become more mature.’
Sterling isn’t your typical teenager. You only have to spend five minutes in his company to recognise that.
He speaks with maturity beyond his 18 years - but he’s had to grow up quickly. You have to when your rise to prominence has been as rapid as it has been for Sterling.
But after his breakthrough campaign, there are no self-congratulatory pats on the back. Just a steely determination to fulfil his huge potential.
I know can still improve. I need to relax more on the pitch, I’m sure that will come with age and experience.
‘I want to start contributing a lot more in terms of goals and assists. But as young player I just want to take it my stride.
‘I don’t get carried away with the hype. I just want to show people I’m a decent player.
‘I try not to listen too much to what some people say. You can have good days, you can have bad days, so I just try to focus on my game and see what I can improve.’
A season-ending thigh injury halted Sterling’s progress towards the end of last term.
He still isn’t completely over the problem and faces a busy summer to ensure he can hit the ground running at the start of pre-season.
Sterling will be a regular at Liverpool’s Melwood HQ over the next month as he undergoes a specifically-devised training plan.
But that doesn’t bother him in the slightest.
‘The injury is getting better, it’s disappointing I can’t make the Under-21 European Championships in Israel but I’m just trying to make sure I’m fit and sharp for the start of pre-season,’ he said.
‘I’m around two months into my rehabilitation and I’m in over the summer. I might get about a week’s break, so it will be tough.
‘But it will be worth it for the coming season. I wasn’t even looking forward to having a break, really.
‘I was really looking forward to playing in the Euros for the U21s. I wanted to show what I could do at that level and show the senior manager that I can play in tournament football.’
Sterling needn’t worry too much about his international chances, though.
Roy Hodgson has already identified the youngster as a key part of England’s future, his decision to hand Sterling his senior debut as a 17-year-old against Sweden last November is testament to that.
The FA have moved quickly to secure Sterling’s services given his Jamaican heritage.
In theory, the forward can still opt to play for his country of birth given he has not yet played a competitive international for England.
But Hodgson and the FA can breathe easy.
There’s been a bit of doubt in the past. But I’m definitely committed to England,’ confessed Sterling.
‘I grew up in their youth system and I feel at home now. It’s exciting to be part of the England set-up, we’ve got some great young players.
‘As a young player growing up, you want to be playing for England. You want to push yourself to play. Hopefully in the coming season I can prove I can play at the top level.’
Do that, Raheem, and you’ll be facing another summer without a break next year.
How does Rio de Janeiro sound?
