Thursday 2 April 2015 14:48, UK
Tony Gale believes Raheem Sterling owes it to Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool to sign a new contract.
The England forward, 20, is the subject of transfer speculation having admitted he recently turned down a lucrative offer from the Reds with the likes of Arsenal - as well as several continental clubs - reportedly interested.
But former West Ham defender Gale told The Morning View on Sky Sports News HQ that Sterling should show loyalty to his current club and agree to stay at Anfield.
"I think he'll still end up with Liverpool. He should save his loyalty for Liverpool. He's getting paid a lot of money and they are offering him a great contract," Gale said.
"That's where he's produced his best football and Brendan Rodgers has looked after him well - he's played him on both sides and he's played him in the hole and he's played him up front. He's nursed him through a difficult period. He's done exactly the right thing by him all the time.
"It's the business end of the season and you need to be focused on what you want to achieve, which is Champions League football. Liverpool are a little bit behind and they need the wins. They don't really need the distraction and Brendan doesn't deserve it.
"The boy should be very grateful for the way that Brendan has nursed him through some difficult times. He's taken the pressure off him and he's rested him. I think he owes Brendan Rodgers and he owes Liverpool.
Brendan has nursed him through some difficult times. He's taken the pressure off him and he's rested him. I think he owes Brendan Rodgers and he owes Liverpool.
"I think Brendan will say the right things in the press but inside he'll be a little bit hurt that if Sterling doesn't sign, he's let him down a little bit."
Former Everton and West Ham striker Tony Cottee also believes that it is in Sterling's best interests to stay at Liverpool.
Cottee said: "I just wonder what part the agent is playing in it. We've just seen that he's got two years left on his contract and obviously the agent is negotiating trying to get the best deal. I agree with that but it's important to get his head down.
"Financially, he'll be well off anyway. Could he go to Arsenal? Yes, I believe he could. He could also go to Chelsea or Manchester City. There'll be a string of clubs lining up to get him because he's that good a player.
"He's got to be careful that he doesn't get distracted in terms of his form. Liverpool is the best place for him and personally I'd like to see him settle down and sign a new contract. He's not the finished article yet."
