Liverpool FC: Twitter Reacts to Raheem Sterling's BBC Interview

Raheem Sterling took social media by storm on Wednesday night after his interview with BBC journalist Natalie Pirks went viral.

In the footage, Sterling admits he has turned down a new contract offer from Liverpool worth £100,000 per week in order to wait until the summer to make a decision on his future.

He says: "It's never been about money. I talk about winning trophies throughout my career. That's all I talk about."

Sterling’s interview appears to be an attempt to clear his name as a “money-grabbing 20-year-old,” as he believes he is being perceived, but it would appear the plan has backfired, if Twitter is anything to go by.

Here, we take a look at the best reaction to the latest development in Sterling’s young career, which looks set to dominate the remainder of Liverpool’s season.

Supportive Tweets for Sterling

Scrolling through the responses to the BBC’s posts on the social media website after running with the story, the number of supportive tweets for Sterling is dwarfed by those criticizing him.

As such, it is difficult to find tweets defending the England international, but some suggest journalists who operate in Manchester—where BBC Sport is based—are conspiring against Sterling.

Others suggest he’s being manipulated by his advisors, while some accept that he’s waiting to see how Liverpool finish up this season, with the club still chasing a top-four place and an FA Cup.

"

@BBCSport No, its manc based journalists stirring things up. Bigger stories out there. Should do their job's properly #bbcsportsday

— Paddy Emmerson (@Padster77) April 2, 2015"

"

@BBCSport @Natpirks He's obviously waiting to see if we qualify for the CL before making his decision.

— Dave (@chippydave84) April 1, 2015"

"

@BBCSport #Sterling is a young guy who is still learning at 20 in all ways. Whether he stays or goes needs perspective on all sides.

— St Albans DYS (@stalbansdyo) April 2, 2015"

"

@BBCSport @Natpirks Sounds like we are back in "I want to win trophies" territories. Simple. Stay at Anfield and win some!

— Gordon Harris (@gdh1959) April 1, 2015"

Tweets Criticizing Sterling

There is no shortage of tweets condemning the Liverpool forward, with very few social media enthusiasts buying Sterling’s side of the story.

Many are calling for Liverpool to cash-in on his talent, with fans already talking up Jordon Ibe as the future star of the club.

Sterling, who is an active user of Twitter himself, is called everything from “muppet” to “mercenary” amid the backlash.

Here’s the most publishable of what the social media public have had to say to BBC’s report:

"

@BBCSport sell the little mercenary & grab the ££'s before the other clubs realise how over-rated he is. Jordan Ibe will be a better player.

— Parent Paul Whibley (@Whibs2812) April 2, 2015"

"

@BBCSport @Natpirks Too late @sterling31. Look at Owen, Torres and Fowler. If you want to go, go. Club is bigger than any player.

— Ade (@AdeArthurs) April 1, 2015"

"

@BBCSport he's a joke send him on his way.. Liverpool will walk much better without you..

— martin mc grogan (@martyuboat) April 1, 2015"

"

@BBCSport far be it for me to sympathise with #lfc, but 'mercenary' is spot on. Manipulated by agent. Over-rated. Call his bluff. Get rid.

— David Shepherd (@DaveySheps) April 1, 2015"

"

@BBCSport What a muppet, no Left foot and he thinks he's more than £100k a week!?! @GaryLineker @Palloti76 @seancardo

— Ravi (@RavS82) April 2, 2015"