RAHEEM STERLING HAS left his public image “in tatters” but Liverpool must take their share of the blame for the forward’s expected move to Manchester City, according to the editor of a leading fanzine.
England international Sterling is on the brink of moving to the Etihad Stadium, after manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed on Monday that a deal has been agreed with an unnamed club.
The transfer will bring an end to a long-running saga that has seen Sterling receive criticism over his conduct for reportedly trying to force his way out of Anfield.
Gareth Roberts — editor of The Anfield Wrap — has been left with a “sour taste” over the actions of Sterling and his agent Aidy Ward, but says Liverpool should have rewarded the 20-year-old with a new contract after a stellar 2013-14 season.
“I didn’t really see the point in a lot of the tactics of Sterling and Aidy Ward to get the move. Ultimately, if City had put a £50 million bid in at an earlier time the deal is done,” Roberts told Perform.
“The rest of it leaves a bit of a sour taste in your mouth. Raheem Sterling’s got his move but I would argue that his public image has been left in tatters.
“I think fans, not just Liverpool fans, across the country now will label him as greedy. I think he’s made himself a target for the boo-boys and the pressure is immediately on him now.”
Roberts added: “I think Liverpool are partly to blame for this situation as well, because if you go back to 2013-14 when we had the tilt at the title and came so close; the second half of that season in particular, Raheem played really well for us and was on top of his game.
“I think back to a game against Norwich, he essentially won that game for us. He scored one, set one up for [Luis] Suarez and afterwards the manager used the phrase ‘Raheem is the best young player in Europe right now’.
“Now if you’re the best young player in Europe and your manager is calling you that I think you can expect to be paid more than an average Premier League footballer.”
As rumoured. Nice guy and a good servant. Still had a year on his contract so Quins ought to be paying something for him. A huge NIQ lock to replace him would be nice.
@Justin Robinson: Or has he already been replaced on the cheap with Matthew Dalton…?
@Justin Robinson: think you’re right. Given financial situation, I think an NIQ 9 would be more appropriate if Cooney is gone at end of season.
Augustus looks good for back row next year, and we are actually quite well served in second row with Sheridan/Izzy/AOC/ Hendy and Dalton if required
@Justin Robinson: I was thinking NIQ lock but with Humph seemingly softening on the NIQ Frontrows a NIQ TH, would be needed most out of all the provinces.
@Si: I guess we could get by at lock (although I’d much prefer Izzy at 6 and AOC is out of contract at the end of the season) but unless Hendy suddenly turns into Benjamin Button we’re certainly not strong there. We’re also short of a proper 15. Oh for a Payne, Ludik or Addison. It’ll be great to see Big Stu, JS and JH back out on the paddock against the Reds though.
@Kingshu: Maybe a big TH lock would help TOT and young Wilson? Corrie looked deadly from a foot out against Zebre!
@Justin Robinson: RG Snymans contact is up at Leinster, must be our turn for him now?
@Kingshu: Connacht will get their go before Ulster.
@Justin Robinson: I’d rather Slimani