When Abracadabra Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored that incredible overhead kick goal scored in a 4-2 victory in Stockholm a decade ago, it passed a huge message to the then young Raheem Sterling because that was the only thing that eventually stood out in the friendly win despite
Steven Gerrard earning his 100th cap for England, not to talk of Raheem Sterling's debut for the three Lions of England.
It was Roy Hodgson who gave the starry eyed teenager his break in the international friendly, however, It is easy to forget that at 27 Raheem Sterling has been on the international scene for 10 years.
As he flew alongside the rest of the England's squad and as an influential member of the team with 79 caps and only turns 28 next month, many will not remember that other rookies who made their debuts against the Swedes in an experimental England team like Wilfried Zaha, Leon Osman, Steven Caulker, Ryan Shawcross and Carl Jenkinson all fell by the wayside.
Many won't know that it has not been smooth sailing for the Londoner who
grew up watching the World Cup on a big TV wheeled into the classroom at Copland Community School. Even on his first few caps, he had to rely on Steven Gerrard for support.
Nevertheless, he always used adversity to make himself a stronger person and character.
The criticism of his reason for rejecting a new deal at Liverpool before moving to Manchester City in 2015. There was a point where he labelled himself the hated one too.
Today, he has done so well for himself with club and country which alludes to his strong mental strength.
Story by ibrozano Adams.
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