Raheem Sterling has spoken extensively about his improvements under Pep Guardiola.

In a superb interview in the Mail on Sunday with Oliver Holt, Sterling speaks at length about his low moments during the European Championship, and how he has his confidence back.

The thing that really comes across in the interview is just how driven, but grounded, Sterling is. Almost like he isn’t a ‘footie idiot’ after all.

“That [Euro 2016] really landed a huge blow to me,’ Sterling says. “After your first game, to see that, knowing that you were trying your best. “No one goes out trying to play badly. That was a real low point for me.”

Sterling credits Pep Guardiola for getting his form back on track:

“I had five minutes with Pep and he showed me on the board where he wants me to be and what he wants me to do and he said the rest was down to me. “He said with my ability I needed to get at my defenders, try to make crosses and score and as soon as I lose the ball, get back into position. “Against West Ham, I scored a goal and he wasn’t happy because I didn’t go at my full-back as much as he wanted and I had lots of opportunities. “It’s a great challenge because he wants me to be more direct with my running and get at players because he wants me to create as many chances as he can and score goals. “The new manager has just been drilling it into my head that I need to be more decisive. “One thing I realised was that when I got in the box, I was a bit jumpy. I was a bit all over the place and now I am just focusing on being calm and collected. “As soon as I get in the box, don’t rush it. You think you have less time than you normally do and that’s probably something I was doing a lot last year: rushing my shots. “I feel I have more freedom to express myself now. I’m not going to lie about that — I feel much more free. When I get the ball, I have the authority to be myself and try to create chances and be free.”

Sterling also spoke about his decision to leave London at the age of 15, believing it was the only way he could succeed:

“There was no regret for me in leaving London. I wanted to get out of London because you are probably doing stuff you shouldn’t be doing and getting in the wrong crowd. “I remember when I left, everyone was getting stabbed. It was a really bad time.”

Finally, Sterling spoke about how he changed his attitude after joining Liverpool.

“I don’t really share this with many people but I’m really proud of myself because when I was younger I was really aggressive on the pitch. I had a temper. I was a bit wild.”

We’ve said it plenty of times before, but good on you. Only hope those who bullied him at The Sun have the decency to apologise.