Liverpool: Brendan Rodgers blasts Raheem Sterling's agents following Arsenal loss
Brendan Rodgers has blasted Raheem Sterling's representatives following Liverpool's 4-1 loss to Arsenal.
The English winger's future at Anfield has been one of the most constantly discussed topics in recent weeks, with Sterling being linked to various top clubs around Europe including Arsenal and Chelsea.
Moreover, the Reds star, gave a controversial interview to the BBC, in which he revealed that he had rejected a £100,000-a-week offer from the club and even acknowledged the Gunners' interest in signing him was flattering.
But the Northern Irishman has backed the player and is confident that it was not Sterling's doing, but that of his agent. Rodgers also praised Sterling for putting football ahead of everything else and has made it clear that the former Queens Park Rangers youth team player, who is contracted to the Merseyside club two-and-a-half years more, is not going anywhere in the summer.
"You are not a 20-year-old boy and you pick up the phone and ask to speak to the BBC. You don't do it. Him in particular. But, of course, if he is asked to do that by other parties then that is what he'll do," Rodgers is quoted as saying by the Guardian.
"In the modern game it's something that would frustrate us all. It's the market. In fairness to Raheem, I brought Raheem in from the youth team so I know the kid well and I know a big part of this is nothing to do with him."
"Kid, who is focused on his football, works hard every single day, he just wants to play his football. The kid gives me everything every time he trains and plays. Loyalty is not something so prevalent in the modern game," the Reds manager explained.
"He has had the opportunity to play, which is key for a young player. It's the model of Liverpool; the owners want to create world-class talent."
"He came in at 17 years of age, I deemed him worthy to come in and become a regular. In two and a half years he has proven that. He has played in a number of different positions, which has improved him tactically and technically," Rodgers concluded.
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