Former Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling has offered the Reds an apology over the manner of his exit from the club earlier this summer… sort of.
In quotes taken by Sky Sports, the England international admitted he was disappointed with how the transfer eventually went through, and reiterated that he had no issues with Brendan Rodgers or anyone else at Anfield.
“I was a bit disappointed how I left,” Sterling said ahead of City’s friendly with Melbourne City. “That was the main problem I’ve had with the situation – how I’ve left it with Liverpool.
“I’m good with everyone at the football club, the manager, the players and I wish them well for the new season. But it was really disappointing how it did finish off.”
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His comments will certainly raise a few eyebrows on Merseyside. As Sky explain, the youngster had been trying to force his way out of the club since the start of the year – turning down a new deal and giving a controversial interview to the BBC.
In mid-May, his agent Aidy Ward claimed that a new deal was impossible, even if Sterling was offered £900,000-per-week. He also launched a foul-mouthed rant towards Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher and left most of us in no doubt that the player would be on his way this summer (via Liverpool Echo).
However, the saga rolled on for another two months, with Sterling missing training, refusing to go on tour and suggesting that the breakdown of his relationship with Brendan Rodgers contributed towards his desire to leave (via Daily Mirror).
Despite his half-hearted apology, Sterling did admit that he was desperate to join City this summer. He told Sky: “From the first moment I heard City were interested in me [I wanted to join], purely because of the direction the football club is going in.”
I’ve met all my team-mates now and it’s been a really good few days, they’ve made me feel welcome and I’m really happy to be here. I think I made the right decision.”