Youngster of the year, but no fan favourite
LONDON: Raheem Sterling has been named Liverpool’s young player of the year, but was booed by a small number of fans when he collected the award on Tuesday, amid speculation that the England winger was angling for a move away from Anfield.
Sterling was jeered by some supporters, while others shouted “Stay, Raheem” as he picked up the accolade a day after British media reported that he was poised to request a transfer.
In February, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said Sterling had been offered an “incredible” new contract, with some reports suggesting the club had put forward a deal worth £100 000 (R1.8 million) a week.
Sterling denied that he was a “money-grabbing 20-yearold” in a BCC interview last month, but also said that he was in no rush to sign a new contract.
Liverpool, who finished as Premier League runners-up last season, have struggled throughout the current campaign and have failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Speaking at the club’s awards ceremony, Rodgers said this season had been a struggle for fifth-placed Liverpool because of a number of “distractions”.
“Expectancy from last season was going to be high,” Rodgers said. “Things that have happened, the distractions, you can’t plan for them.
“It has been a difficult, trying season but the players will all be better for it next year.”
Liverpool travel to Stoke for their final league match of the season on Sunday. – Reuters