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Raheem Sterling will not resume Liverpool contract talks until the summer

Raheem Sterling of Liverpool celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match v West Ham at Anfield
Image: Raheem Sterling: Has confirmed contract talks are on hold

Raheem Sterling has confirmed that he will not resume talks over a new contract with Liverpool until the summer.

The 20-year-old, who still has more than two years to run on his current £35,000-a-week deal at Anfield, insists money is not the driving force behind the issue and he wants to win trophies.

Sky sources revealed earlier this week that Sterling would not be discussing terms over a new contract amid a string of reports claiming that the England international had turned down multiple offers from the club.

However Sterling, who has been linked with a number of Europe's leading clubs, is keen to put his future to one side for the time being and speaking for the first time on his future, told BBC Sport: "I just want to focus on football and, when it gets to the end of the season, assess my position as a 20-year-old player playing in the Premier League.

"I keep hearing I've rejected all sorts of contracts. Me, the club and my reps have spoken about it and put talks on hold until the end of the season, so it's frustrating to hear the contract situation keep going on and on. 

"I don't want to be perceived as a money-grabbing 20-year-old. I just want to be seen as a kid that loves to play football.

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"Money is not everything in my life. I've got family, a daughter - these people mean everything to me.

"I think anyone around me can vouch for me that it has never been about money.

"It is about winning trophies throughout your career; I don't talk about how many cars I will drive or how many houses I've got.

"It is flattering to get a huge contract (offer). I just purely want to be the best I can be.

"I want to be seen as the one who wants to do best for the team and I don't want the fans to think bad of me, to think I just want as much money for myself.

"Everyone's dream growing up is seeing themselves in an away kit somewhere in a sunny country. But, in reality, I'm happy to be playing for Liverpool and trying to win trophies.

"It has been a bit much for me this season with everyone talking about it every minute.

"I just want to get through this season helping the club do the best we can do and hopefully at the end of the season be proud of what we have achieved."

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers, who will speak to the media on Thursday in a news conference you can see on Sky Sports News HQ, has already revealed that talks have stalled, but says the club have offered Sterling a fantastic deal - believed to be £100,000-a-week - and he thinks he should stay.

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