What do Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling have in common? Not bad company the 27-year-old is keeping. During that period there are highs and lows, problems, it’s part of life. Nobody doubts how important it is,’ said the City manager. Sterling‘s right-foot spot-kick was saved by Angus Gunn but he buried the rebound with his left, making it a ‘perfect’ afternoon. In the future I don’t know what is going to happen. You might think Aguero would then take silver. Guardiola wants the club to tie him down to a new deal, though says he does not get involved in the negotiations himself. He’s a key player. He got the ball rolling by using his right foot to score a scorcher into the top corner. If we count the number of games he has played since we are together, it’s a lot. In the absence of Jack Grealish – the £100million man having flared up an old shin injury in training – Sterling tormented Norwich down the left. You would be correct, with 82 to his name, but he is not alone. Aside from the fact they would be picked last on the playground for a game of basketball, these 5ft-somethings stand tall on a podium of Pep Guardiola’s greatest goalscorers. In contracts I can give my opinion but the club takes the decisions. The club will decide. He followed up that super strike with a header, and then came his chance to take the ball home when referee Andre Marriner awarded City a late penalty. Word was a loan to Barcelona was in the offing. Sterling stayed and knuckled down, though his £300,000-a-week contract is set to expire next year. These are not honeymoons. Joining Aguero on 82 is Sterling, whose perfect hat-trick against Norwich on Saturday took him level with his former Manchester City team-mate. Messi takes gold, obviously. As soon as Kyle Walker’s cross fell to him, he knew to cut inside and shoot, and that was Sterling at his best – when he is operating on instinct. It was only in November when there was talk of the winger leaving City because he was unhappy with his lack of game time. I’ve known Raheem for six seasons. He scored a grand total of 138 league goals under Guardiola.
It’s important to see the next chapter, next games, next moments.
Always there are problems, we have to solve them. Norwich had chances to take the lead, however, namely through a Grant Hanley header which hit the woodwork in the first half. This ended up being such a straightforward win that the superstars on the substitutes’ bench – among them Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, Joao Cancelo, John Stones and Aymeric Laporte – got to stay wrapped up with their hot water bottles. Nobody has the guarantee,’ Guardiola said. It’s important to see the next chapter, next games, next moments. In the end, City’s class shone through, with Sterling adding another ball to his mantelpiece. Instead, Guardiola brought on three teenagers in James McAtee, Liam Delap and Kayky. Nobody here is untouchable. It does not get much more positive than a perfect hat-trick, and yet it is never guaranteed you will start the next game under Guardiola. The City boss wanted to stress that point after this 4-0 win and ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 first leg at Sporting Lisbon. Not even me. Nobody. I try to handle the squad in the best way possible to win games but especially for the harmony.
If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase.
The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold vermeil or sterling silver. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. So she decided to make her own. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes.
Three teenagers have died in a horror crash and a fourth is fighting for his life in hospital, 
It was nice to feel the Wembley turf beneath my feet again, especially alongside so many former colleagues, but in all honesty I felt a little unworthy! Any fans who joined in made a mistake. Sterling is one of the best forwards in the world right now so they want to watch him in an England shirt – but in the same way we called on him to realise he needs to become Team England when he joins up with his national team, the fans need to understand that, too. I was invited to join the 1,000th game celebrations by taking to the pitch at half-time on Thursday evening because I captained England. Having arrived at Wembley and received a silver plate with my legacy number (I was No 1,039), I was told I was the eighth oldest outfield player to appear for England. Tony and I had a chat about England’s defence and we were concerned about how they can switch off. Also there from Arsenal were Tony Adams, Sol Campbell and Dave Seaman. Montenegro barely made it a contest but they could have sneaked a goal or two. I am also the ninth oldest to score for the Three Lions. I suspect they were booing because they paid good money to see Raheem Sterling. I also won 43 caps after making my debut against France in 1992, aged 25, but I was surrounded by so many greats of the game and others who won more than 50. It was an honour to be there. I was nearly 34 when I netted against Malta in 2000, which surprised me! I heard the booing of Joe Gomez while in the stands.