Raheem Sterling: Brendan Rodgers has 'no issue' over move
- Published
No issue with Sterling - Rodgers
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says he has no issues with Raheem Sterling as the England forward prepares to join Manchester City for 拢49m.
Speaking at the start of the Reds' pre-season tour, Rodgers confirmed the move will go through subject to a medical.
"Contrary to what has been written, Raheem and I have always remained strong in our relationship. There is no issue there," said Rodgers.
Sterling rejected a 拢100,000-a-week contract offer to remain at Anfield.
And it was that his relationship with Rodgers had broken down over the protracted transfer negotiations.
What Rodgers said about Sterling |
|---|
20 Oct 2012: "He is a terrific talent but he has a good head on young shoulders." |
19 Nov 2012: "Why would you want to leave one of the biggest clubs in world football? So it's a no-brainer." |
27 Feb 2013: "That zip has gone and it's down to fatigue. Was that to be expected? Yes it was." |
25 Sept 2014: "I think you could link Raheem with every club in the world at the moment. He's a fantastic young talent. I sit easy with it." |
9 Feb 2015: "We believe this will be the best place for him and I believe he knows that as well." |
2 April 2015: "Liverpool are one of the superpowers of football and if the owners don't want to sell, they don't have to." |
22 May 2015: "Raheem has two years left on his deal and I expect him to see that two years through." |
Sterling's medical is likely to take place on Tuesday and the fee will include up to 拢5m in add-ons over the course of the deal.
Rodgers, who says he spoke to Sterling "at length" on Sunday, would not be drawn on any more new signings.
Raheem Sterling: From QPR to Man City's new 拢49m player
But when asked if the club could fill the void left by Sterling's sale, he highlighted the addition of Brazil forward Roberto Firmino, signed for 拢29m from German club Hoffenheim.
"Roberto Firmino is a top-class player," he said.
"He will come into the Premier League and it takes a bit of time to adapt. But he has all the traits we want from a player. He works very hard.
"Transfers is not really something I want to go into in a press conference. I spent a lot of last season talking about transfers and don't intend to this year.
"Any business done will be done behind the scenes at the club."
But Rodgers did add that he is pleased with his dealings so far, saying: "Our aim is to be stronger and more competitive next season."
Liverpool are on a tour of Thailand, Malaysia and Australia
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