Steven Gerrard warns Raheem Sterling Anfield exit could be backwards step

Departing Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has warned Raheem Sterling he risks stagnating as a squad player if he leaves Anfield.

Relations between the club and the player’s agent Aidy Ward hit a low last month when the Reds cancelled a meeting to restart negotiations over a new deal after comments from Ward stating the 20-year-old would not sign a new contract. Sterling turned down Liverpool’s £100,000 (€136,000) a week offer in January and all the noises coming from the player’s camp since appear to have been designed to manufacture a move away.

Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid have all been linked but Gerrard believes Sterling risks losing regular football if he leaves Anfield.