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| Raheem Sterling received plenty of criticism after saying he wants to leave Liverpool |
FERNANDINHO has backed Raheem Sterling to turn a deaf ear to the boo boys and prove why Manchester City made him the Premier League's most expensive current player.
Sterling has faced hostility wherever he has played since voicing his desire to quit Liverpool last season - even when on England duty in Dublin last June.
But midfielder Fernandinho believes the England international has the strength of character not to allow the taunts to have a detrimental effect on his performances following his acrimonious £49m move from Anfield.
As Sterling prepares for his Premier League debut for City at West Brom tomorrow night, Fernandinho said: "I think Raheem is a strong character with the right personality.
"I remember seeing him in an interview talking about his determination to win trophies and I'm sure he will be able to manage the situation."
Fernandinho believes Sterling's arrival can only add to the attacking potency of City - the Premier League's top scorers in the last two seasons - alongside strike pair Sergio Aguero and Wilfried Bony as well as attacking midfield duo David Silva and Yaya Toure.
He said: "The attacking part of the team is very strong. People are saying that in Raheem, Sergio and David we have the best front three in the Premier League but it is not about talking it is about what happens on the pitch.
"I think we will be very successful in scoring goals this season. But the most important area for us to improve is defensively, particularly in away games. I believe we have learned the lessons from last season and I am confident the new season will be much better.
"The squad is strong enough to fight for both trophies and I feel very enthusiastic about our chances this season, especially in the Champions League. It is going to be my third season in the competition and [winning it] is something that motivates me."
Albion manager Tony Pulis concedes he cannot guarantee Saido Berahino will end the transfer window as a West Brom player as City get the chance to take a closer look at the £25m-rated forward.
Berahino - their top scorer last season - has been regularly watched by City scouts while Tottenham have also been keeping tabs on the England Under-21 international.
What is poised to be a club-record capture of Zenit St Petersburg forward Salomon Rondon for around £15m places further question marks over Berahino's future.
Pulis is keen to hang on to his prized asset - but said money ultimately talks.
He said: "Never say never in football because you just don't know what's around the corner.
"Even with Raheem Sterling, for a while nobody thought Liverpool would sell him to a main rival and in the end they sold him.
"For me to say 'we're going to do this', 'we're not going to do that' or 'that is set in stone', is not going to happen.
"Who knows what is around the corner in this game?"
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