Jordan Henderson insists he still has plenty of improving to do, despite winning a move to Liverpool.
The young Sunderland midfielder has agreed a reported £20million switch to Anfield and is thought to have undergone a medical at the Merseyside club on Wednesday.
But the 20-year-old, capped once for the senior England team, is adamant he still has it all to do.
Asked when he first realised he was good enough to make it as a professional footballer, Henderson told the Daily Mirror: "Make it? I still don't believe I have made it.
"As a young footballer, if you think you have made it you are on a downward slope.
"I don't think I can ever feel I've made it. I have a lot of things to achieve and a lot to do and football is a short career."
He added: "I know I can improve and learn a lot. I have to. I need to score more goals, get into attacking positions and finish."
Henderson, who has played a key role for the Black Cats over the last two seasons, admits he is fulfilling his boyhood dream playing in the Premier League and for his country.
He said: "When I was young, football was all I wanted to do.
"Everyone said. 'Get a fall-back', but I only had football on my mind. I was confident I could achieve that.
"Now I always remind myself of what it was like being a kid and pulling on a replica strip and playing.
"I am doing it for real now and it is a dream to play for your country or your club. When I get picked for any side, I just remember what an honour it is - and how from the age of six it is what I've practiced and trained to do."
Very mature for his age. Wants to learn. Let the King teach you!
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