Raheem Sterling's Liverpool departure was Brendan Rodgers' fault, slams agent Aidy Ward

Raheem Sterling's exit was badly handled

BRENDAN RODGERS is at fault for Raheem Sterling leaving Liverpool, according to his agent Aidy Ward.

Sterling left Anfield for Manchester City in the summer in a deal worth around £50million.
But his acrimonious departure caused several headlines after his refusal to sign a new Liverpool contract, a controversial TV interview with the BBC and heckling from supporters at an end of season awards dinner.

Critics felt Sterling was being mishandled by Ward but the agent has finally spoken out over what happened in the summer and put the blame firmly on Rodgers.  
"Raheem could've stayed, he should be at Liverpool," Ward told the Daily Mail.
"I think for me it was like he was being told to be a good boy and sign a contract.

"In December I spoke to Liverpool and said we'll sign a contract if there is a buy-out clause - those clauses are now common practice. They said no to that.
"Then there was an underhandedness, there were sly remarks. In press conferences, Brendan told everyone Raheem would sign - why do that?
"I knew, Brendan knew and Liverpool knew there was an issue. Right now he probably should be a Liverpool player, but he's not and he's in a great place at City.

"Last season I thought subliminal messages were being sent to Raheem. Why would Liverpool play him at left wing back?
"Would you play Simon Mignolet up front? I think it was the game against Manchester United, he was played as an attacking midfielder, moved to right back, then up front, then left back, and eventually back to attacking midfielder.
"I was watching thinking: 'Well this is interesting."