Raheem Sterling celebrates with team-mate Fernandinho on the way to winning the Premier League title this season

Fernandinho has defended Raheem Sterling after the England international was pictured with a tattoo of a M16 assault rifle on his leg.

The Manchester City forward posted a picture of himself training with his England team-mates at St George's Park, with a tattoo of the gun on his right calf clearly visible.

Sterling was criticised for the tattoo before posting an explanation on social media, alluding to its "deeper meaning", and Brazil midfielder Fernandinho does not understand the negative scrutiny surrounding his team-mate but admires the way he copes with it.

Sterling's tattoo of an M16 assault rifle

"I don't know why the people treat him like that," said the 33-year-old said.

"They write about him and you can see some pursue it against him.

"He's a lovely guy, nice guy, and every day he's up, he's happy, and I'm so glad to share the dressing room with him.

"I'm glad because we have him. He's a lovely guy and he never gives up, even with a lot of criticism about him and his football."

Sterling was instrumental in Manchester City's Premier League title-winning side, scoring 18 goals with 11 assists.

"He's one of our top players. He decided so many games for us this season and was so important for us," Fernandinho added.