Raheem Sterling of Manchester City celebrates scoring against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Etihad Stadium on December 11, 2021 in Manchester, England. Photo: VCG
Raheem Sterling joined some illustrious company in Manchester City's win over Wolves at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, reaching 100 English Premier League goals with a penalty that proved to be the winner for the champions.
"He becomes just the 32nd player to score 100 goals in the competition, 82 of which have been scored for City, with the other 18 coming during his time at Liverpool," Manchester City said in a statement on their official website to mark the milestone.
His 18 goals for Liverpool came in 95 appearances before swapping for the blue half of Manchester in a deal worth some 49 million pounds.
Sterling joined City from their rivals in the summer of 2015 and he has been a part of three English Premier League title wins, one FA Cup win and five League Cup wins.
"Everyone at City would like to congratulate Raheem on reaching such a significant milestone," they added.
"[Scoring 100 English Premier League goals] is a lovely achievement. There are some fantastic players in that list. I'm really honored to be in it now," Sterling told the media after the game.
"It is great to join a really lovely club, so I am really happy," Sterling said. "As soon as I saw the referee point to the spot, I picked my place and went for it."
The decision for Sterling to take the spot kick was not one all City fans had agreed with, as he had missed his last three penalties for the club.
"Then, it is just about execution. I have been practicing so it was good to see it come off. It is a nice achievement to get to, but the most important thing today was the win and I am just happy to help the team."
City boss Pep Guardiola congratulated Sterling, and goalkeeper Ederson who notched up his 100th clean sheet for the club in the 1-0 win over Wolves.
"A great number, at his age - 100 goals is a lot. Congratulations like 100 clean sheets for Eddy. Big congratulations for both and for the team of course."
Sterling has not been first choice in recent months under Guardiola, making only three starts in the league this season, but he has been named in the starting 11 in six of the last seven games.
"Raheem has always been important," Guardiola said. "Players have to understand they sometimes drop, there are highs and lows. He has scored goals lately. They have to do it every single game. This is important. He's reaching his best performance for us. He's progressing very well and I hope he'll continue to be important for us."
At 27, which he turned in the lead-up to the Wolves game, Sterling certianly has much ahead of him - and he is also one of the youngest names to join the 100 club.
"He is the eighth youngest player to reach a Premier League century at 27 years and three days," the club added.
His place on the youngest list of those to reach the milestone is not in danger any time soon - the next most likely candidate to reach it is 36-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, and he turns 37 in February - but who lies ahead of Sterling?
Michael Owen - 23 years, 134 days
England striker Owen burst on to the scene as a teenager at Liverpool in the late 1990s and he reached the 100 club while still at the Anfield club. Owen, who left his boyhood team for Real Madrid in 2004, would go on to score goals for Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City before hanging up his boots. Ended with 150 EPL goals.
Robbie Fowler - 23 years, 283 days
Another Liverpool academy graduate that turned the Premier League on its head, Fowler was one of the breakout stars of the early days of the rebranded top flight. Known as "God" by Liverpool fans, the striker played for several other EPL sides including Leeds United and Manchester City in a peripatetic career. Finished on 163 EPL goals.
Wayne Rooney - 24 years, 100 days
After bursting on to the scene as a 16-year-old with Everton - and a wonder goal against Arsenal - Rooney shone at Manchester United. Like Owen and Fowler, he would struggle with injuries and expectations but England and Manchester United's record scorer established himself as one of his country's greats. Played for Everton again at the end of his career. Finished on 208 EPL goals.
Harry Kane - 24 years, 191 days
Sterling's England skipper was a slower starter than those ahead of him but made up for lost time with several sensational scoring seasons for Spurs, including topping the golden boot chart last season. He has struggled for form this campaign after being linked with a move to Manchester City in the summer and tasting defeat in the Euro 2020 final with the Three Lions. Has 167 EPL goals so far.
Romelu Lukaku - 24 years, 308 days
After failing to shine at Chelsea, Lukaku established his goalscoring prowess at West Bromwich Albion and then Everton before stints at Manchester United and more recently Inter Milan. After winning the Serie A title in Milan last season, the Belgian returned to Chelsea in the summer but has struggled so far. Has 116 EPL goals right now.
Alan Shearer - 25 years, 139 days
The English Premier League top scorer scored his first 100 goals for Southampton and Blackburn Rovers, where he won the title in the 1994-95 season. Shearer would go on to add another 160, many of which came with boyhood club Newcastle United.
Thierry Henry - 26 years, 177 days
The Arsenal forward only arrived in England aged 22 and took a little while to settle but then he never looked back as he helped himself to goals and the club to silverware. Henry left for Barcelona but returned briefly at the end of his career. Ended with 175 goals in the EPL.
