Brendan Rodgers was the man in charge when Raheem Sterling left Liverpool for Manchester City in 2015, and according to the Leicester manager, he was supportive of the winger's move. Rodgers said Sterling was maneuvering for growth and the Jamaican-born was looking to win titles so he understood.
From Rodgers' perspective, the England international wanted a new setting that will allow him to reach his full potential. His goal was to be the best player he can be and Manchester City presented an opportunity, which Sterling grabbed.
The Leicester boss said Sterling joining up with the side of Pep Guardiola was never about money. If that was the case then the Reds would be happy to make him stay. Sterling made the £49 million switch five years ago and Rodgers maintained money was not a motivation for the 25-year-old City star.
"For Raheem, it was never about money. If it was about money he could have stayed at Liverpool. It was about being the best he can be," the Mirror reported Rodgers a saying.
Rodgers explained that Sterling with the City made a mark on the destination club. Both parties gained benefits and on the player's side, he found what he was looking for - personal and professional growth plus the bonus of winning titles.
"In that moment in time, there was an opportunity to go to Manchester City where they had top-class players. He's gone in there and developed and become a winner, which is clear to see now in his game," the manager said.
Indeed, the move to Etihad proved fruitful for Sterling. The Guardiola side has won the Premier League twice in a row and is in contention to pocket another title this season but it would seem Liverpool, with 25 points cleared over the City, will be getting the honor this time.
As expected, the move to City by Sterling did not sit well with Liverpool fans and every time he plays at the Anfield, the crowd makes sure the winger will know their collective sentiment. There will be boos and jeers greeting the former Reds star.
Sterling, however, remains grateful for his time at Anfield. According to The Sun, Sterling regards Liverpool as "a team that done a lot for me growing up."
It's hard to argue that the club is a big part in molding Sterling's career. He was a product of the team's academy and debuted for the Merseyside when he was 17. Sterling played a total of 129 games with the Reds and had the opportunity to score 23 goals before moving out so it's no mystery that the club remains dear to him.
"To be honest with you I love Liverpool ... Don't get it twisted, they are always in my heart," Sterling was reported as saying.
