Raheem Sterling: Brendan Rodgers' low wage claim disputed
Last updated on .From the section Football
Brendan Rodgers did not keep the wages of England winger Raheem Sterling deliberately low during his time at Liverpool, according to a source close to the Manchester City player.
Speaking on Tuesday, Rodgers said Sterling was playing for England while earning £2,000 a week at Anfield, but that his wages eventually had to be increased because of his form.
Rodgers' version was dismissed by the source, who said Sterling was on £1,500 at Liverpool, with his wages rising to £35,000 a week as soon as he turned 18.
It is understood Liverpool agreed to pay Sterling £1,000 a week from his 17th birthday, following his arrival from QPR as a 15-year-old in 2010.
However, such was his form during the intervening period, then Liverpool academy director Frank McParland increased Sterling's first significant salary to £1,500.
He was then not able to sign a longer contract until he was 18.
Sterling, who made his England debut as a 17-year-old in January 2012, signed a five-year-contract soon after turning 18.
He left Liverpool for Manchester City in a £49m deal in 2015.
