Raheem Sterling says he and his City colleagues are eager to embrace the challenge of the Champions League ahead of Wednesday’s opening Group C game against FC Porto.

Pep Guardiola’s side will go into the crucial Etihad clash buoyed by last Saturday’s 1-0 Premier League win over Arsenal where Sterling scored the winner.

For City, Wednesday’s clash is our first European assignment following August’s disappointing quarter-final exit to Lyon in the 2019/20 tournament.

And looking ahead to the start of an intensive period that will see us play European fixtures every week up until the November international break, Sterling says the City squad are excited to try and kick on in Europe and make up for the frustration of that Lyon result.

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“It’s always good to play in the Champions League… especially with the difficult result we had in Portugal (against Lyon),” said Sterling as he looked ahead to the Porto clash.

“So, it’s great to have another try at it.

“Let’s just go in it, enjoy it and see where it takes us!”

Raheem’s all-important winner against Arsenal made it four goals already this season for the 25-year-old who has begun in the same hungry fashion as last term.

And Sterling says the hard-earned victory against the Gunners was the perfect way to build confidence and momentum ahead of the onset of the Champions League.

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“Coming back from the international break we knew we needed a good performance and to pick up points to kick-start the season,” Sterling added.

“Saturday’s result definitely gives us confidence (looking ahead).”