RAHEEM’S SICKNOTE
Now Liverpool rebel misses training
RAHEEM STERLING failed to report for training yesterday as the saga of his bid to leave liverpool took another twist. The england international phoned Melwood, liverpool’s headquarters, yesterday morning, claiming that he felt unwell and would not be able to take part in the planned sessions.
It has been a summer of sweeping personnel changes at anfield and manager brendan Rodgers, who wants one more addition to his coaching staff, has met club legend Gary Mcallister to discuss the prospect of him joining Sean O’Driscoll and Pepjin linders.
The drama surrounding Sterling, though, rumbles on and, coming 48 hours after he told Rodgers he does not want to go on the pre-season tour to the Far east and australia, the news that he called in sick will have been greeted with cynicism in many quarters.
It is standard practice for liverpool to send a doctor to the house of an unwell player and one was expected to visit Sterling yesterday afternoon.
liverpool had no choice but to accept Sterling’s explanation at face value but, given how aggressively he is pursuing a move to Manchester City, if he were found to have breached club discipline, liverpool could fine him two weeks’ wages, or £70,000. There is no suggestion yet that he is in breach of club rules.
Relations between Sterling and liverpool are now irreparable. However, he will not get the move he desires unless liverpool drop their £50million asking price. City’s last bid of £40m was rejected but they have not been in formal contact for more than a fortnight and it is under-stood they have no intention of going much higher.
liverpool are waiting for City’s expected third offer and the reason Sterling does not wantt to board a plane to bangkok on Sunday is so that hehe can finalise his future.
Having turned down an offer ini the region of £100,000 per week last October, he has already lost out on an estimated £2.3m in wages. More than anything, though, he has damaged his reputation. Sportsmail columnist Jamie Carragher said: ‘ Reports suggest Raheem Sterling has told brendan Rodgers he doesn’t want to go away on the pre-season tour.
‘all clubs at times have asked a player to push a move through but even so it’s still a story that doesn’t reflect well on Raheem.
‘He’s starting to get a reputation that could be hard to rid himself of in the future. are Man City fans looking at the situation and thinking this could be us in a few years?
‘I think this situation will only make liverpool more determined to get the fee they feel Raheem is worth rather than caving in to Raheem’s and Manchester City’s wishes.’
Meanwhile supporters have started to turn on Sterling. His mobile number was posted on Twitter on Tuesday and he was bombarded with abusive calls.