Brendan Rodgers had heart-to-heart talks with Raheem Sterling – and told the youngster he is going nowhere
The Liverpool boss invited Sterling to his home for a wide-ranging chat not just about his future, but the 20-year-old’s welfare too.
Rodgers revealed: “We had a couple of good meetings. He came to my house and had a good chat on a personal level as well.
“It’s not just about the football side, it’s also about his welfare because he’s still young and he’s been through a lot in the last couple of years. We talked generically, and I think he’s in a good place at the moment.”
In that meeting though, Liverpool’s position – laid down by its American owners – was spelled out.
They will not consider a sale under any circumstances – even if the forward keeps refusing to talk about extending a contract that has two years left.
Asked if the club would be as unyielding as when Luis Suarez wanted to go to Arsenal and was made to train with the kids, Rodgers replied: “We’ve made that clear from the beginning and the owners are very much supportive of that. Raheem won’t be going anywhere this summer, even if there’s not a deal agreed.”
Sterling’s form has dipped dramatically in recent weeks after an interview with the BBC in which he said he wanted the chance to win trophies.
Yet Rodgers believes the player described as England’s future is happier now than he has been for a long time, and is really beginning to enjoy life at Anfield again:
“I think he looks a lot more relaxed now than he has done for a while. He looks comfortable in himself again. We had a good chat and it was about making him comfortable as well. It’s not just football – it’s parenting, helping him and making sure everything is all right outside of his football.”
Rodgers also suggested the club remains confident Sterling will agree a new deal after being offered a pay rise to £100,000 a week.
“We’re still pretty relaxed on it. The club will meet again with Raheem’s representatives and reinforce it (the message),” he added.
“Look, everyone wants to win trophies, everyone wants to play in the big competitions. But it’s also important you have the opportunity to do that.
“So we’ll just be reinforcing our stance that’s been in place all the way – that this is the best club for him at this moment where he has the opportunity to play and to fight and be competitive.” Sterling will lead the Reds line against QPR today with Mario Balotelli sidelined by a cut to his foot.
Rodgers has not given up on a top-four place and insisted the Reds will fight to the finish.
He also revealed his team will give Chelsea a guard of honour when they meet next week, should Jose Mourinho’s men have won the title by then, despite vocal objection from Liverpool fans.
He explained: “This club is built on dignity, respect and class. So whoever are the champions that’s what you do.”
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