Ex-Liverpool skipper wants starlet to stay at Anfield
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has warned Raheem Sterling that leaving Anfield could be bad for his career, especially if he were to move to a bigger Premier League club.
The England international has been strongly linked with a move away from Merseyside after a controversial season off the pitch. Sterling took part in a BBC interview without Liverpool knowing and confirmed that he wouldn’t be signing a new deal after initially rejecting their offer.
Sterling’s Controversial Campaign
Sterling confirmed in the interview that it wasn’t about money for him, but it was about being at the right club and competing for trophies on a regular basis, and with Brendan Rodgers‘ side finishing 6th this season, they won’t be in the Champions League next year which is a massive blow to their hopes of keeping the winger.
Fans of Liverpool Football Club have already turned against the 20-year-old after his controversial interview, and since then, things have got even worse due to Aidy Ward speaking in the media.
Ward is Sterling’s agent and he has confirmed that the winger wants to leave the club and wouldn’t sign a contract extension even if they offered him £900k-a-week.
Sterling was met with boos at the end of season awards and was then given a hostile reception by the away fans during the club’s final game against Stoke City.
With his future still undecided, his former-captain has given him some strong advice by saying he risks becoming a bit-part player if he moves to a bigger club.
Gerrard Warning
Gerrard said: “He needs to make the decision quickly. I hope he stays for his development. It’s important he plays week in week to learn and become a world-class player.
“The frustrating thing would be if he went to a club and became a squad player and just another number and didn’t have that chance to progress. That’s the risk.”
Sterling has been linked with both Manchester clubs, as well as Chelsea and Arsenal.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
