Jamaican-born Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling has been named the English Premier League (EPL) Player of the Month, for his role in helping City climb to the summit of the league.

The award, which was announced by the league on Friday, saw both Sterling and club Manager Pep Guardiola, cop the monthly performance-based award, with Guardiola being named manager of the month.

The accolade is Sterling’s third of his career and first since 2018. The player’s future in Manchester was shrouded in uncertainty at the beginning of the season with reports of discontent between him and Guardiola.

The player noted that he may have to look elsewhere in Europe for another ‘challenge” when quizzed about his reduced involvement in the team as a result of the manager’s preferred starter Phil Phoden.

Despite what seemed to be dwarfed time on the pitch at the beginning of the season, his impact has risen in the last 10 games for the Citizens. Sterling’s goal involvement has moved from two in 11 games to five goals in as many appearances with two assists.

City, who are atop the league with 53 points, are 11 clear of rivals, Liverpool, in third on 42 points, and second place challengers Chelsea 43.

That could, however, change on Saturday when they play host to Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, with Liverpool welcoming Brentford at Anfield, Liverpool.

Sterling and City are expected to continue talks over his contract extension at the end of the season.