Sterling doesn't deserve this contract fracas

04 April 2015 18:28

The whole Raheem Sterling contract saga has caused a whiplash in his otherwise ‘fifth gear’ Liverpool career.

After declining a five-year deal worth over £100k a week, the 20-year-old winger has attracted excessive criticism from journalists, ex-players and fans.

In an attempt to bring clarity to the situation, Sterling bravely undertook a 30-minute interview with the BBC. The reaction of that interview has had the antithesis of the desired effect.

Chris Bascombe of the Telegraph described the interview as “opportunistic, offensive and a massive PR own goal”. He proceeded to belittle Sterling, suggesting the Liverpool winger is money-driven and showed his openness to a move when describing Arsenal’s interest as “flattering”.

Maybe it’s naivety to the conniving politics of football contracts and transfers, but I see no problem with what Sterling has done. Throughout his sit-down with the BBC, Sterling repeated the mantra “I want to be the best that I can be”.

That statement made sense when Sterling explained his decision to postpone any contract talks until the summer. Liverpool may not qualify for the Champions League this season; a competition Sterling’s talent compliments.

In wanting to continue his upward curve of development, regular CL football is important. Sterling may be indebted to Liverpool in their fostering of his progress, but he has the self-drive to become great – at whatever club that may be. There’s no shame in that.

Every time the interviewer mentioned Liverpool’s FA Cup prospects, Sterling couldn’t restrain an innate, adolescent smile. That isn’t a cold-hearted, money-grabbing 20-year-old; it’s a big kid who cares more about the silverware than the maroon-kissed mahogany shelf it lies upon.

Written by @_AdamPowers

Source: DSG