Rodgers also reveals Sterling didn’t have the club’s permission to do the BBC interview…
Brendan Rodgers insists Raheem Sterling will be going nowhere this summer despite the Liverpool winger’s continued contract impasse.
SEE ALSO:
Liverpool transfer news
(Images) Daniel Sturridge has returned to Liverpool training
Arsenal boss gives brilliant tribute to Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard
Rodgers was heavily questioned in his pre-Arsenal press conference about Sterling after the 20-year-old gave an interview to the BBC, in which he said he would not yet sign a new contract at Anfield – but denied it was because he was not being offered enough money.
Times journalist Tony Barrett live tweeted Rodgers’ quotes…
Rodgers: “He’s not going anywhere this summer.”
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarretTimes) April 2, 2015
Brendan Rodgers says he wants Sterling to focus on his football “at a place where he’s made giant strides over the last few years.” — Tony Barrett (@TonyBarretTimes) April 2, 2015
Rodgers: “If his ambition is trophies, that’s perfectly aligned with what we want. This is Liverpool. It’s an honour for him to be here.”
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarretTimes) April 2, 2015
Rodgers: “Liverpool is one of the superpowers of world football. If it doesn’t want to sell it won’t sell.” — Tony Barrett (@TonyBarretTimes) April 2, 2015
The Liverpool boss also criticised the interview Sterling gave to the BBC…
“There was no permission from the club. It surprised us all. But he’s a young player who is still learning” http://t.co/zLNlNvi9UE
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) April 2, 2015
Rodgers criticises Sterling’s interview: “It surprised us all – you make mistakes, especially when you’re young’ http://t.co/iZ2mdVcETR — Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) April 2, 2015
Reacting to reports Arsene Wenger could be interested in making a move for Sterling, the Daily Mirror quote Rodgers as saying that while the Gunners are a great club – they’re not us…
“Raheem has said his ambition is to win trophies and be successful. Arsenal is a great club – but this is Liverpool” http://t.co/zLNlNvi9UE
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) April 2, 2015
The message from Rodgers seems pretty clear: Sterling will be going nowhere in the summer and should be focussing more on his football and development rather than giving interviews to the media.
But whether the Boss’s promise that Sterling will remain at the club bears out is yet to be seen, and if he doesn’t extend his contract eventually – we’ll need to think of a plan b.
Your move, Raheem…