Sterling, professional misfit?

Raheem Sterling’s transfer saga has taken another downhill run with regards to his relation with his club. Towards the conclusion of the 2014/15 Season, the Winger and his agent made a clear stance that he will be departing Liverpool for new pastures this summer, having rejected a contract that would’ve seen him earn £100,000 a week.

With most of the squad returning from holiday, Liverpool are leaving for their pre-season tour of Australia and South-East Asia on Sunday. With Sterling close to inking a deal with rivals Manchester City, the winger has told the club he will not join them on their pre-season tour. He wants the move to the Etihad to be completed this week. Liverpool have rejected the transfer offers of the Citizen as they hold out on a £50 million price tag they’ve stamped on him. Reports have now surfaced that he is unhappy with Brendan Rodgers (In honesty, despite his shortcomings, it was Rodgers who helped Sterling show his talent to the world). His reasons are unclear but his future decision is final. He is leaving the club.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with looking for new pastures and a chance of better pay and trophies. What is appalling, however, is his conduct. Until the club allows him to sit down for negotiations, he is still a Liverpool player. He has a contract which will cease to exist only after 2 more years.  As a contracted player, he has to do as he is told. From a professional point of view, its uncalled for and shows his immaturity. He has called sick for 2 consecutive training sessions. This indicates he will not stay with the club.

Its not a question of if Liverpool will sell him. The real question is when? In this era of inflated transfer figures, Liverpool’s valuation will be met. However, Sterling has now permanently burned the bridge between himself and the club, especially its supporters. What’s worse, in the eyes of others, they know what to expect should he try to explain his unhappiness at his future club when things do not go his way. People would interpret his actions to be equivalent to those of a crybaby.

An example from a current transfer saga that he should follow is Christian Benteke. With the Belgian striker seeking to force an exit from his club this summer, he has agreed to join the Villa’s pre-season tour. Raheem is in a similar situation too. Better professional conduct is the need of the hour.

Whatever maybe be Sterling’s wish, it would certainly do him better to improve his conduct in his future club. If he gets dropped onto the bench, he risks causing irreparable harm to his name in the industry.