Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling is expected to inform the club this week that he wants to leave in the summer, according to reports from The Guardian.
Sterling had previously told Brendan Rodgers that any talks over his future would be postponed until the end of the season as he wanted to concentrate solely on his football. It is understood that his agent, Aidy Ward, will now tell Liverpool’s manager and the chief executive Ian Aye that the England international will not sign a new deal and wishes to move on.
The 21-year-old gave an unauthorised interview to BBC earlier this year where he admitted that he had rejected a 100k-per week deal from Liverpool, and stated his ambition to win trophies that had generated adverse publicity.
Sterling is said to be unhappy with the negative headlines surrounding his contract dispute as also the absence of Champions League football at Anfield next season. Liverpool have only managed eight points from the last 24 available and missed out on a top four finish and the Reds were also eliminated from the FA Cup by Aston Villa in the semi-final.
It seems like fans are divided on opinions about Sterling’s decision to leave the club. Let us take a look at some of the reactions:
So #Sterling wants to go, hugely talented player but as soon as player says he wants to leave he go as far as I am concerned
— Moley (@Moley_LFCDT) May 18, 2015
I can’t understand why Raheem Sterling might want to leave Liverpool. I mean, the fans have been so supportive of him recently. — PhantomGoal (@PhantomGoal) May 18, 2015
It’s best to sell Sterling now if he’s adamant he wants to leave and when his contractual status will still elicit a big fee
— John M O’Sullivan (@NotoriousJOS) May 18, 2015
What’s frustrating about the Sterling thing – fans arguing about his ‘attitude’. Maybe the constant abuse he gets has affected him somewhat? — PhantomGoal (@PhantomGoal) May 17, 2015
Nice parting message from the captain. Jordon Ibe clearly very highly thought of at the club. …Or is it more positive post-Sterling PR?
— Jack Lusby (@jacklusby_) May 17, 2015
Whatever you think, neither side comes out of this well. Personally, I think we do not yet know if Sterling is Eden Hazard or Aaron Lennon. — Rory Smith (@RorySmithTimes) May 18, 2015
My view on Sterling? Still only potential. I wouldn’t be building a side around him. I’d take the money and use it better.
— Tony Evans (@TonyEvansTimes) May 18, 2015
If Sterling wants to go let him. We not won much with him so we will be ok without him. We need players who want to be here and commit.
— Didi Hamann (@DietmarHamann) May 18, 2015
Premier League clubs Manchester City and Arsenal are thought to be interested in Sterling, who still has two years remaining on his contract at Anfield. Therefore, Liverpool are in no rush to sell him immediately.
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