Raheem Sterling has been awarded a Gold Blue Peter badge - and he joked that he doesn't need to worry about winning the Champions League now he has earned the show's highest accolade.

Manchester City and England forward Sterling was awarded the badge in recognition of his inspiring success for both club and country on the pitch and for his work combating negativity off it.

Blue Peter viewers will see the Manchester City and England star receive the badge in a film to be shown during today’s episode, at 5.30pm on CBBC.

In the episode, two young football fans Lutae and Jazmin meet Raheem Sterling and chat to him about a range of subjects including growing up dreaming of becoming a football player, what it means to play for England, playing against adversity and his love of Jamaican food.

Presenting the coveted award, Blue Peter presenter Richie Driss tells him: "Raheem, clearly we think you are amazing.

Sterling scores England's fourth goal in the 6-0 win over Bulgaria on Monday (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

"You are a role model, not only for Manchester City fans but also to all of our fans across the UK. You’re an inspiration not only on the pitch but also off the pitch with your willingness to stand up for people’s rights.

"So with that in mind it would be an absolute honour to award you our highest accolade… the Blue Peter Gold badge.”

On receiving the badge, Sterling says: “Thank you very much, it means a lot.”

Driss goes on to joke: “Now that you’ve got a Blue Peter Gold badge you don’t need to focus on winning the Champions League.”

Sterling won his second successive Premier League title last season (
Image:
AFP/Getty)

Raheem replies: “Yes I think I will settle for this and call it a day!”

Only a handful of Gold badges are presented each year. They go to individuals who show great expertise in their chosen field, are considered to be role models, and who encourage and motivate children across many generations.

Having started his career as a pacey winger, Sterling has developed into a much more complete forward in recent seasons, becoming an accomplished finisher and a crucial player for both City and England.

Sterling and England team-mates speak to the Bulgaria manager on Monday after racist chants from the stands. Sterling is a fervent anti-racism campaigner (
Image:
Getty Images)

The 24-year-old has also led calls to stamp racism out of football, and has emerged as a role model for children and young people growing up watching the game.

Sterling helped City to an unprecedented domestic treble last season, having been a key part of their record-breaking Premier League points haul the previous campaign. He has yet to win the Champions League, with Pep Guardiola's side still aiming to finally conquer Europe.

Sterling joins a select group of people to have received a Gold Blue Peter Badge, which includes The Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Sir David Attenborough, Sir Paul McCartney, JK Rowling, Steven Spielberg, Mary Berry, David Beckham, Ed Sheeran and Madonna.