Liverpool star Raheem Sterling has spoken out about the situation surrounding his contract negotiations at the club, according to the Daily Mirror.
SEE MORE
Liverpool transfer news
“I’m 100%” – Liverpool midfielder declares himself fit for Arsenal clash
Liverpool star handed ultimatum by national team boss
The 20-year-old has reportedly made it clear that he will turn down up to £180,000 a week according to the Daily Mail, but the Daily Express claims that he is actually looking for £150,000 a week so that he has parity with fellow key player Daniel Sturridge. Either way the England international is looking for a major raise on his current deal, which the Express state is around £30,000 a week.
However, the youngster does not want to be seen as only in it for the money, citing his love of the game.
He said: “I don’t want to be perceived as a money-grabbing 20-year-old. I just want to be seen as the kid that loves to play football.It’s never been about money. I talk about winning trophies throughout my career. That’s all I talk about.”
“I don’t talk about how many cars I’m going to drive, how many houses I’ve got. I just purely want to be the best I can be.”
Whether the forward deserves this raise is another matter.
He has six goals and seven assists in 28 Premier League appearances this season, making him Liverpool’s top scorer and provider. Should the Reds miss out on their aim of qualifying for the Champions League – as appears likely – their ability to provide Sterling with the deal he merits – and to win trophies – could be affected. Liverpool currently sit five points behind fourth placed Manchester United in the Premier League, with just eight games to go, and face Arsenal this weekend.