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Raheem Sterling has never had it so good.

He is at the top of the Premier League, Manchester City's leading goalscorer and is about to be offered staggering terms on a fresh contract as reward for his sensational form.

Suddenly, the haters have gone quiet. And the snake emojis from Liverpool fans have all but disappeared from his social media posts.

Sterling is proving exactly why he pressed for that controversial switch from Anfield to the Etihad Stadium in 2015.

It was a big decision. He knew people were accusing him of being a money-grubber, and he knew public perception was that he was an arrogant guy. But he retained focus, stayed tight with the same friends and family he had grown up with and made sure he would fulfil his potential.

Pep Guardiola's arrival as manager in 2016 helped push him to a new level—no doubt about that—but ahead of a return to Anfield on Sunday, Sterling is regarded as one of the hottest properties in Europe.

And sources are suggesting Real Madrid are monitoring him as a future target.

"Nothing is imminent, but Sterling is in Madrid's thoughts," a well-placed contact told B/R. "It's no wonder City are trying to secure his long-term future. He is in a very good moment."