Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers expects Raheem Sterling to see out the remaining two years of his contract despite claims made by the winger’s agent that the England international will snub any new deal.
Sterling's future has been the subject of intense media scrutiny since he put contract talks on hold with his agent Aidy Ward saying this week that the 20-year-old would not extend his stay even if he was offered £900,000 (Dh5.2m) a week.
Liverpool scrapped a meeting with Sterling on Friday to discuss his future following Ward's comments, but Rodgers expects talks to resume after this weekend's final game of the season at Stoke City.
“The facts are simple. Raheem has two years left on his deal at Liverpool and I expect him to see the two years through and continue to behave as immaculately has he has done since he came to the club,” Rodgers told news conference on Friday.
“Raheem has made it clear he wants to speak at the end of the season so for us the concentration is on the last game and I am sure talks will take place over the course of the summer.
“I have not seen Raheem being unhappy. He is a young boy who has developed incredibly well over the last three seasons and I hope the development continues.”
Sterling’s relationship with Liverpool hit troubled waters in April when he gave an interview to the BBC, saying he was in no rush to sign a new contract but denied being a “money-grabber”.
He won the club's young player of the year award on Tuesday and was jeered by some supporters, while others shouted "Stay, Raheem" as he picked up the accolade.
Fifth-placed Liverpool face Stoke City on Sunday and Rodgers said Sterling was available for selection as he remained on good terms with the one of England’s brightest young prospects.
“My relationship with Raheem has not been affected,” he said. “Raheem has the opportunity to play for one of the greatest clubs in the word and has done exceptionally well.
“He is a good kid, matured very well over last few years and is a wonderful young football player. There is no problem there.
“Liverpool supporters always back their own players. If he plays any part in the game, Raheem will get the support of our fans.”
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The Breadwinner
Director: Nora Twomey
Starring: Saara Chaudry, Soma Chhaya, Laara Sadiq
Three stars
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TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
Company%20profile
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Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
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Abu Dhabi Card
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 1,400m
National selection: AF Mohanak
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 90,000 1,400m
National selection: Jayide Al Boraq
6pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 100,000 1,400m
National selection: Rocket Power
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship Listed (PA) Dh 180,000 1,600m
National selection: Ihtesham
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 1,600m
National selection: Noof KB
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 2.200m
National selection: EL Faust
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Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
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