Why Daniel Sturridge Should Walk Away from Manchester City

In life, as in the work place, one has to stand up for oneself and avoid situations which could see you being “walked all over” by companies, bosses, or colleagues, if you are to make a success of your career.

Daniel Sturridge is a bright young prospect who graduated to Manchester City’s main office in 2006 and has since proven to be one of England’s brightest young stars. His performances have been made even more impressive considering the form of players such as Stephen Ireland and Robinho.

For the 19-year-old forward to be upstaging such famous names is surely a sign of what is to come.

There is no doubt in my mind that if Manchester City hadn’t been bought over this summer, Sturridge would be a first team regular, probably in place of Brazilian superstar Robinho.

Unfortunately, as with any business, new owners means restructuring, new goals, and new ideas.

Or in the case of Manchester City, much more money and redecorating.

We have already established that Daniel had an encouraging start to this season and impressed many with his flair, confidence, and ability over the first half of the season, but where was his reward at promotion time?

Yes, promotion time—or as it is called in the world of football, “the January transfer window.”

Sturridge must have been sure his performances would be enough for more time on the pitch and a bumper new contract, seeing as his deal with the company expires in the summer. In essence, the former England youth international was looking for a promotion.

Did he get that promotion?

No, he did not. He was overlooked for promotion as the club brought in Craig Bellamy, a player so loyal he has scored for six Premier League clubs.

A bitter blow for a young man in any situation, never mind a player with the world at his feet.

Had I been in that situation, I may have been very tempted to run down my contract and leave at the end of the season, and this is what I believe Sturridge should do.

You see, come the end of the season, Manchester City will sign someone else, then someone else, and so on.

Sturridge however (all credit to him) opened contract talks with City over a new deal, only to be told he was asking for far too much money. Yip, sounds like life to me. Players such as Craig “I’ll be here for a season” Bellamy can hold “his” club to ransom, but they will do “their own” no favours.

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has criticised Sturridge’s money hungry advisors for his supposed wage demands of £65,000 a week, but we didn’t hear him criticising his club's relentless chase for Kaka when any possible deal would have been based on money, not a desire to play for the club.

I personally think Sturridge is getting a raw deal at City and he would be far better off under, say, Martin O’Neill at Aston Villa. However, any move to Villa—and remember, he is a Birmingham native—would mean running down his contract.

And if I had the choice between sitting on the bench next season or playing UEFA Champions League football with possibly England’s most exciting side, it would be a pretty easy choice to make.

No wonder he wants a bumper pay deal to stay at City.

Sturridge is simply standing up to be counted and refusing to be walked all over. In life we call such people, “winners."