Sunday 17 January 2016 16:46, UK
Brendan Rodgers insists his relationship with Raheem Sterling never broke down during their time at Liverpool and revealed the pair still keep in contact.
Sterling's agent Aidy Ward claimed Sterling no longer trusted Rodgers during a protracted disagreement over the England star's future last year, which eventually ended with his transfer to Manchester City.
Rodgers says the way the story was portrayed in the media was not consistent with what really happened and he takes great pride in his relationship with Sterling.
Speaking as a guest on Goals on Sunday, Rodgers said: "It seemed, when Raheem left, that there was a whole array of reasons why he needed to leave and then towards the end it was a number of other reasons.
"The situation wasn't ideal but what was reported in the media was different from how it was on a day-to-day basis.
"I suppose my name got thrown into the mix - that our communication had broken down. But it was never the case. I was surprised at that. I always had a really good relationship with Raheem.
"We were still in contact and we are since he and I left. When I left Liverpool, his was one of the first messages I received."
Rodgers integrated Sterling into Liverpool's first team after being appointed in the summer of 2012 and believes playing him in different positions has made him the player he is today.
"Raheem's a fantastic young man. I put him the team at 17 and for the next couple of years he was absolutely incredible," Rodgers said.
"I take great pride in putting him in, and we played him in a number of positions so he could develop. We played him wide, a No.10, on the side. He was a such a great footballer that I could play him anywhere on the field.
"Now he's gone to Man City, that flexibility has helped him. I like to think the development he received from the coaches at Liverpool has helped him."
