Raheem Sterling will become an even better player as a result of his recent move, according to Roy Hodgson.
Following months of speculation, the 2014 European Golden Boy winner completed his move from Liverpool to Manchester City on 14 July.
And although news of the switch was greeted with discontent by many of the Liverpool faithful, the England manager says Sterling will emerge from the experience a stronger player.
"He was playing for a club with a very strong fan base, not only in England but in other parts of the world," he said.
Raheem Sterling scored on his first appearance for Manchester City
"Unfortunately for him, I suppose, the fans locally at Liverpool took unkindly to the fact that he made it clear he wanted to move."
He continued: "That is part and parcel of football really. I think if anything that will help him to mature and improve even more.
"I think for his age he is a remarkably strong and robust person, not just physically on the field but mentally."
The 20-year-old, who has played for England 16 times under Hodgson, impressed as he scored in his first outing in a City shirt during their friendly against Roma last week.
And Hodgson said Sterling was "exceptional" and would be part of the England set-up in years to come.
He added: "We have had a lot of faith in Raheem Sterling. He has never been out of our thoughts at any time, whether he has been playing well or not playing well or in the team or not in the team.
“We need players like him because of his exceptional talent”
Roy Hodgson on Raheem Sterling
"We have always had him in our 25 as a player for the future who we think, if we are ever going to become a really good team, we need players like him because of his exceptional talent."
Sterling and Manchester City have two more pre-season games to play before they begin the campaign to wrestle back the Premier League title from Chelsea.
They take on Vietnam on 27 July, before facing Stuttgart on Saturday 1 August. Their Premier League season begins at West Bromwich Albion on Monday 10 August.
