Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said in a press conference that Raheem Sterling “isn’t going anywhere this summer” and has told the England star that he can win trophies at Anfield - but Arsene Wenger has admitted his interest.
Sterling’s future is a matter for renewed debate after he held an unauthorised interview with the BBC on Wednesday in which he denied that financial motivations were behind his refusal to sign a new contract at Liverpool.
The forward claimed trophies were his main focus as he attempted to end speculation about his contract, which runs for a further two years and is worth £35,000 per week.
But with reports suggesting that Sterling is holding out for around £150,000 having turned down an offer of £100,000, his interview has caused consternation, with Liverpool said to be “infuriated” with his behaviour.
Speaking in his weekly press conference, Liverpool manager Rodgers denied the 20-year-old would be leaving the club, following reports of interest from Arsenal, who Liverpool face in the league at the weekend.
"Arsenal is a great club, but this is Liverpool. For Raheem to be playing here is an honour," Rodgers said. "He has got two and a half years left on his contract and is going nowhere this summer.
"As a club we've shown that [money doesn't come into it]. Liverpool is one of the superpowers of world football. If it doesn't want to sell it won't sell.
"If his ambition is trophies, that's perfectly aligned with what we want. This is Liverpool. It's an honour for him to be here."
Arsene Wenger then undid some of Rodgers' work by describing Sterling as a "great player" in his own press conference - words which will only fuel speculation that a move to the Gunners could be on the cards at the end of the season.
Rodgers also admitted that Liverpool had not given Sterling permission to talk to the BBC and that the club were "surprised" by his interview.
"There was no permission from the club," said Rodgers. "It surprised us all. But he's a young player who is still learning."
- Source: PA Sports | via Eurosport
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