It was heavily reported last week (via Sky Sports) that Raheem Sterling’s primary reason for wanting to leave Liverpool was because of his dislike for Brendan Rodgers, but the manager totally denied the story, claiming his relationship with the wantaway winger is ‘strong’.
Rodgers was speaking from Thailand where we’re about to begin our pre-season tour, and had to field multiple questions on the 20-year-old who looks set to sign for Manchester City for £49m (via BBC Sport).
“The club has agreed with another club a deal for Raheem to be transferred and subject to medical that will go through,” he began.
“Contrary to probably the last week or so in terms of what was written, Raheem and I have stayed very strong in our relationship and have been right up until we left. So there is no issue there.
“I spoke to Raheem at length before I left yesterday. There is no problem and as I said the two clubs have agreed a deal.”
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It’s nice to see Rodgers acting professionally, as after Sterling’s recent behaviour, it’s hard to believe that our manager actually thinks very much of him at all.
The England international turned down £100k-per-week last season, gave an unsanctioned interview to the BBC, allowed his agent to say some unbelievable things in the press and failed to turn up to training last week – all of which led the club to decide to cash in.
At £49m, Sterling will become the most expensive Englishman of all time, despite having limited European and international experience.
Hopefully the money will be invested wisely on one or two proven first-teamers, rather than a plethora of squad players (as it was last season with the Luis Suarez windfall).