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Rodgers confirms Sterling exit, denies rift

Shanghai Daily, July 14, 2015

• Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed a deal is in place with Manchester City for wantaway winger Raheem Sterling.

  Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers yesterday confirmed the transfer of England international Raheem Sterling to Manchester City while playing down reports of an acrimonious rift with the England forward.

  British media said Sterling will go to City in a deal worth over the 49 million pounds (US$76 million) — a record breaking figure for a transfer within the English Premier League.

  Speaking in Bangkok where Liverpool has begun a pre-season overseas tour, the Northern Irish manager confirmed Sterling would leave, subject to passing medical tests.

  "The club has agreed with another club a deal for him to be transferred. Subject to a medical that will go through," Rodgers said. "Contrary to probably the last week or so in terms of what was written, Raheem and I have always remained very strong in our relationship and have been right up until we left. I spoke to Raheem at length yesterday so there's no issue there," he added.

  "It's important for us to improve and build the squad for this season coming. We are pleased with the players we have brought in. It's the overall team that is important. We aim to be stronger than last season that will be reliant on everyone."

  His comments confirm the closing stages of what has become this summer's most acrimonious transfer.

  Despite being named in the 30-man squad for the pre-season tour, Sterling was left behind by Liverpool when the club flew out to Thailand where his teammates will play the Thai All-Stars tonight before moving on to Malaysia and Australia.

  Meanwhile, Chelsea has signed Stoke City's Bosnian international goalkeeper Asmir Begovic on a four-year contract. The 28-year-old, who joined Stoke from Portsmouth in 2010, has signed for a fee reported in British media to be worth 8 million pounds (US$12.44 million).

  Begovic will compete with first-choice Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge after Petr Cech ended his trophy-laden 11-year spell by joining rival Arsenal last month.

  Manchester United has also completed the signing of Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger from Bayern Munich on a three-year contract, and France international midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin from Southampton yesterday.

  Schweinsteiger joined for a transfer fee reported in British media to be 14.4 million pounds (US$22.37 million).

  "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bayern Munich, it has been an incredible journey and I didn't take the decision to leave lightly. Manchester United is the only club that I would have left Munich for," the midfielder told United's website. "I feel ready for this new and exciting challenge in what I regard as the most competitive league in the world and I am looking forward to working with Louis van Gaal again."

  Schneiderlin joined Southampton from French side Strasbourg for just 1.5 million euros in 2008. He signed a four year contract with United.

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