The Blues manager has praised the forward for refusing to be intimidated by the menace of racism in football. Sterling who endured an alleged racial abuse from a Chelsea fan during City’s 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

There will be a third European club competition from 2021, UEFA has announced. President Aleksander Ceferin said a “widespread demand” for participation at European level had led to the formation of the new tournament, which will sit under the Champions and Europa Leagues.