Raheem Sterling Reportedly 'Infuriated' Liverpool Bosses with BBC Interview

Liverpool are reportedly "infuriated" with Raheem Sterling's decision to discuss his contract issues with the BBC. Although the 20-year-old indicates his decision to potentially ink a new deal is "not all about the money," he has admitted he dreams of playing abroad, as reported by Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail.

However, Ladyman believes Liverpool's patience is "shortening." Speculation continues to suggest Sterling has turned down £100,000 to stay at the club—his current deal is worth £35,000 per week.

Sterling is keen for everyone to know money isn't important, as told to the BBC (h/t Ladyman):

"

It's not about the money at all. It's never been about money. I talk about winning trophies throughout my career. That's all I talk about. I don't talk about how many cars I'm going to drive, how many houses I've got. I just purely want to be the best I can be.

I don't want to be perceived as a money-grabbing 20-year-old. I try to kill it off, but I don't think the public can see it that way. I think they just see it as this 20-year-old boy being greedy. I just want to take the time to think about what I've achieved in my career so far, where I need to go and what I need to do to get better as a player.

"

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The player admits he would have "most definitely" signed an extension on less than £100,000 per week this time last year, undoubtedly an indicator of his rise to fame.

Vitally, he also notes a desire to move away from the Premier League: "Everyone's dream growing up is seeing themselves in an away kit somewhere in a sunny country. But, in reality, I'm happy to be playing for Liverpool and trying to win trophies."

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes believes Liverpool is the right place for Sterling to flourish. He wrote in The Independent (h/t Telegraph Sport): "Occasionally, these young players do not realise what a good thing they are on to when they know they will be playing every week."

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Manager Brendan Rodgers will receive the opportunity to discuss Sterling's comments during Thursday's press conference ahead of Liverpool's trip to Arsenal, a vital clash considering the Merseyside club are five points behind fourth-placed United with seven games to go.

Ladyman indicates Liverpool's American owners—John W. Henry and the Fenway Sports Management group—"will not allow themselves to be bullied over" Sterling's contract and "are prepared to stand firm." Considering Sterling believes it is "quite flattering" to be linked with a move to Arsenal, reported by Ladyman, Liverpool's businessmen have no other choice.

Sterling's impact can't be downplayed, but he remains wildly inconsistent. He has scored six goals this season, but only once has he managed strikes in consecutive matches, per WhoScored.com. Similarly, none of his seven Premier League assists have come in back-to-back games. This stuttering form can be expected of a youngster.

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However, Sterling provides Liverpool's opposition with a constant source of worry when he's on form. His pace, directness and willingness to roam slightly out of position make him difficult to maintain. He is able to play a multi-functional role for Rodgers, filling in defensively and covering the wide midfielder behind him. As we saw during the loss to United, Rodgers is even willing to use Sterling as a full-back.

Sky Sports highlighted Sterling's stats:

B/R UK's Sam Tighe certainly believes Sterling is pivotal to Liverpool's future:

At this point, it's fair to say the player will either be viewed as greedy or ambitious. Perhaps he is waiting to see if Liverpool qualify for the Champions League before signing. Maybe an FA Cup final win would seal his commitment. With such thoughts likely to be arising so early in the player's career, it seems even if Liverpool convince Sterling to stay, the problem will repeat in the future.

It may be best to cash in and hope a potential fee "in excess" of £50 million, the club's valuation according to Ladyman, turns out to cover Sterling's eventual worth. Rodgers will want focus from all of his players right now, but potentially testing times await.