The Manchester City midfielder knows what his new team-mate will go through this season and backs him to prove his worth despite Liverpool supporters' ire

Samir Nasri has backed his new Manchester City team-mate, Raheem Sterling, to show the "stupid fans" who boo him just how good he is.

The England international was jeered by some supporters at the MCG as he made his first appearance since his £49 million switch from Liverpool in an International Champions Cup match against Roma on Tuesday, scoring with a cool finish within just three minutes.

City won the match 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time but the treatment of Sterling dominated conversation, with more booing expected when the Premier League season begins.

Nasri knows all too well his new team-mate's situation, having drawn ire for his switch from Arsenal in 2011, but was pleased to see the youngster get off to a bright start.

"That was really important," he told the press of Sterling's goal. "It's really good for his confidence, really good for the team.

"You always have stupid fans on a football pitch. The same thing happened to me when I left Arsenal. I just think you have to move on. He chose to come to Manchester City, they have to respect his decision. He's a young player, talented. Just let him play, he's going to show you how talented he is."

Nasri went on to say he has not yet spoken to Sterling about what to expect back in England.

"We didn't expect this - it's a game between Roma and Manchester City in Australia," the Frenchman added. "We didn't expect any other fans to be there so it's a little surprising and weird. So if he needs any advice or anything about it, he can come to ask me.

"There was booing by some fans and then, after three minutes, he scores so it was good for his confidence. We saw a little bit of what he can do for us. He can bring speed and skill. He should have had two penalties as well."

Asked if Sterling can make the difference in City's bid to regain the Premier League title from Chelsea, Nasri replied: "It depends how he adjusts to the squad, depends as well which system we are going to play.

"If we play 4-3-3, he can bring us what he did tonight - speed and goals. He is one of the hottest prospects in world football. If the transfer fee is not too heavy, he can bring many, many things to the table."

Source
SportGigs