Raheem Sterling won’t leave this summer says Brendan Rodgers

Liverpool boss admits forward gave BBC interview about his future without permission

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says forward Raheem Sterling will not be going anywhere this summer after discussions over a new contract reached an impasse.

The 20-year-old has been made what Rodgers described as “an incredible offer”, believed to be £100,000 a week, but negotiations have stalled.

Sterling admitted on Wednesday that all the speculation over his new deal has been “a bit much” for him this season and he wants to focus on football.

Rodgers addressed the media at his pre-match press conference on Thursday and said about Sterling: “Concentration should be on his football. If his ambition is to win trophies that’s aligned with what we do here.

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“Raheem has two and a half years left on his deal and he’s not going anywhere in the summer.”

Sterling gave his side of the story in an interview with the BBC, something Rodgers did not seem impressed by.

“There was no permission (for the interview) from us. He will learn we all make mistakes in life, especially when you are young,” Rodgers added.

“I think the kid has tried to put off all talk about contract and money. For now hopefully the focus will be on football.

“Liverpool are one of the superpowers of football and if the owners don’t want to sell, they don’t have to.”