Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is delighted with the progress of Raheem Sterling.

The midfielder has emerged as among Guardiola's most important players during the Catalans four years in charge.

Ahead of Sterling facing his former club Liverpool today, Guardiola said: "Now Raheem is better than when he first moved to Manchester City.

"I hope that after another 4 years he will become a better player than he is now. Sterling is an exceptional footballer, one of the most outstanding I have worked with. He has a great desire to win and get better, he deserves a lot.

"Will he become one of the best in the world if he continues to get stronger? I would advise him not to think about it. It doesn't make sense. You just need to enjoy life, and who will become the best - fate will determine."