Sterling promises to repay City fans as he drops contract hint

After being the star of the show on Sunday, as Manchester City thumped Southampton, Raheem Sterling has expressed his gratitude for the support given to him from the club's fans. 

Sterling scored twice and recorded two assists in the six-goal demolition of the 'Saints', prompting a raucous rendition of his personal chant to ring almost constantly around the Etihad all afternoon.

City returned to the top of the table thanks to a goal in either half and a further two asissts from the England man, who was not lost on all the appreciation that the 'Citizens' faithful continue to show him. 

The 23 year old spoke to the media after the match, and said: "I love it when they sing I'm top of the league,' Sterling beamed. 'I've got to try to keep making them sing it. I enjoy playing at the Etihad any time. It is an amazing stadium, coming out here and seeing my family and everyone."

Glowing praise for the club and the fans will seem like strong signs of encouragement for all involved with Manchester City, as they look to close out a contract extension that would see Sterling stay in Manchester for quite some time.

It remains to be seen of the club can confirm the deal, but the signs are showing that the parties may not be too far away from sealing proceedings. +

Sterling also took the chance to look ahead to City's reverse Champions League fixture with Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesay, before City's derby clash with neighbours United next weekend.

"They're going to be tough games," Sterling said. "It's a massive week ahead, starting with Shakhtar. That's the most important game. We need to try to win that and then go in to the derby."

Given such a rampant performance against Southampton, City have had the perfect preparation for what is due to be a very challenging week. 

Yet Sterling remained optimistic that the team are on a good run of form, saying: "We needed to capitalise on Liverpool dropping points and I thought we were brilliant at times. In football the hardest thing is to score goals and we have done that. We were ruthless and took our chances. That is what it is at this top level."

The winger concluded: "You can't say they didn't defend well - you have got to put the ball in the back of the net. That is the most important thing. We have got players here that are being ruthless at the moment and long may it continue."