Liverpool star Raheem Sterling has made the headlines with a controversial exclusive interview with the BBC, in which he made a number of big revelations about his future at Anfield. Here are the six main talking points we took from his quotes on his situation with the Reds…
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1) He could join Arsenal
Sterling is quoted in the interview as admitting it is flattering to be linked with a club like Arsenal. Having scored twice in that famous 5-1 rout of the Gunners last season, could the 20-year-old now be lining up for Arsene Wenger’s men in the future? It seems he wouldn’t rule it out, which will make for grim viewing for Liverpool fans.
2) Money is not his main motivation
For all the criticism of Sterling for being a money-grabber, the player himself insists that is not the issue behind his decision to stall on signing a new deal at Anfield. It does seem crazy that a 20-year-old could reject such huge wages, but perhaps it’s true that he’d be willing to accept less elsewhere.
3) Tempted by a move abroad
Sterling has hinted he could be tempted by a move abroad, though it is not his priority. Certainly the big names linked with him could make for tempting moves for the England international, but equally he could be content to stay in the Premier League and move to a rival, which would be very bad news indeed for Liverpool.
4) Fan criticism affects him
Quoted as saying he tries to keep fans’ criticism out of his head, it’s clear that this ongoing contract situation is affecting his relationship with the Anfield crowd, which could be an explanation for some of his less impressive performances of late.
5) Liverpool missed chance to tie him down
Sterling explained that he would have happily signed a £100,000 per week contract this time last year, suggesting Liverpool’s timing of the offer has not been great and that they may have missed their best chance to keep the player on Merseyside.
6) He may already have decided
“In my head I’ve sat down and thought about it. But, at the end of the season, I just want to sit down with the club and my representatives. I will definitely give guarantees when the season has finished.” – does this mean Sterling has already decided what he’s going to do? Has this whole interview been an attempt to call out for other clubs to move for him?