LIVERPOOL WINGER RAHEEM Sterling has rejected suggestions he was “money-grabbing”, after his talks over a new contract hit an impasse.

The 20-year-old England star’s future has become the subject of intense speculation in the British media as Liverpool attempt to extend his current contract beyond its 2017 expiry date.

Sterling has turned down a new deal reportedly worth around £100,000 (€137,710) per week, but he said claims he was holding Liverpool to ransom were wide of the mark. Sterling’s current deal earns him some £30,000 (€41,000) per week.

“I don’t want to be perceived as a money-grabbing 20-year-old,” Sterling said in a video interview published on the BBC Sport website. “I just want to be seen as the kid that loves to play football.

Money is not everything in my life. I’ve got a family, I adore my mum who has been there for me throughout my life. My daughter is two going on three and these people mean everything to me.

“It has never been about money. I talk about winning trophies throughout my career.  I don’t talk about how many cars I’m going to drive, how many houses I’ve got. I just purely want to be the best I can be.”

Watch the full 27-minute interview below:

- AFP, 2015

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