Brendan Rodgers reveals real reason behind Raheem Sterling’s Liverpool exit
Former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has opened upon on Raheem Sterling’s acrimonious exit from Liverpool in 2015. The Northern Irishman has given his backing for the winger who made the decision to swap Anfield for the Etihad.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Rodgers believes that the player’s move was not influenced by money. He instead praised Sterling’s motivation to improve as the real deciding factor.
It would be a lie to deny the fact that the 26-year-old has turned into one of the league’s best under Pep Guardiola.
“For Raheem, it was never about money. If it was about money he could have stayed at Liverpool. It was about being the best he can be”
Rodgers went on to add that the difference is clear in the player’s game. Playing alongside world-class teammates at City has obviously suited him as he has emerged into a key player for the Citizens.
The ex-Reds boss went on to add that Guardiola’s lineup is incomplete sans the English winger. Huge praise considering the players Guardiola has managed in his career.
Grass is green on the other side?
As the manager who gave Sterling his big break and oversaw his initial development, Rodgers’ assessment of the player must be given weight.
However, it seems hypocritical that he would suggest the player could do well elsewhere. Considering he was the manager at Liverpool when the transfer happened, it could also be implied that he wasn’t good enough to bring out Sterling’s best.
Not being affiliated to Liverpool anymore will have lent more objectivity to Rodgers’ comments, but pretty sure he would have felt otherwise had he still been in charge.
The fact that Sterling’s agent also came out later to say that the player would have done well under Jurgen Klopp suggests our thoughts are not completely unsubstantiated.
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Sterling made 129 appearances for Liverpool and scored 23 goals and 25 assists for the club. He played a crucial role in Liverpool’s unlikely 2013-14 title charge. Rodgers did not last long after that and made way for Jurgen Klopp in October.
