Brendan Rodgers Rules out Raheem Sterling Sale in Arsenal vs. Liverpool Presser

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed Raheem Sterling won't leave the club in the summer.

Rodgers spoke ahead of his side's Saturday trip to face Arsenal. Speculation surrounding Sterling's future continues to intensify, but the boss is certain he will remain on Merseyside next season, tweeted by James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

Pearce provided extra details from Rodgers:

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Sterling previously "infuriated" Liverpool bosses by speaking to the BBC about the contract situation, per Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail. Although reports suggesting he has turned down a £100,000-per-week contract offer continue to swirl, the player insists gaining success on the pitch is more important to landing cash off it. Ladyman reported Sterling's comments from the BBC interview:

"

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.

"

Liverpool didn't give Sterling permission to sit down with the BBC, according to Rodgers, per Pearce:

Rodgers believes Sterling can achieve everything he wants at the club. The player noted rumours of a move to Arsenal are "quite flattering" during his interview, per Ladyman, but Rodgers believes Liverpool is the right club, tweeted by Eurosport:

The boss made it clear that Liverpool will have the final say on Sterling's future, reported by Pearce:

Rodgers and his staff are prepared to help Sterling make his decision, per Jack Lang of the Mirror: "Any talks with Raheem will (take place) within (the club) and there are enough people to encourage him to want to be here." 

While Sterling is destined to be key against Arsenal, Rodgers will be relieved to have Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana fit, per Andy Kelly of the Liverpool Echo:

One player who will be missing is centre-back Martin Skrtel, who received a three-match ban in the aftermath of the United defeat for appearing to stamp on David De Gea. Rodgers remains irritated by this, per Pearce:

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Liverpool head into the Arsenal clash knowing anything other than victory could seriously impact their chances of securing a Champions League place. The recent 2-1 loss to Manchester United pushed them five points behind the fourth-placed Red Devils with only seven games remaining.

Although United face a daunting run—with Manchester City, Chelsea, Everton and Arsenal on the horizon—Liverpool need to make up ground in at least two matches to overtake Louis van Gaal's men. A positive response to the recent Anfield loss is pivotal.

B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and James McNicholas recently discussed how much this upcoming fixture will impact the race for a Champions League spot:

Sterling will be looking to hush the critics of his alleged attitude and prove he is worth every penny Liverpool decide to throw at him. He was unable to influence the United loss and needs to establish himself as a big-game player if he's to deserve a triple-figure weekly sum.

Rodgers is likely to call on him like before, as if speculation wasn't following his every move. This highlights the manager's faith in such a talented youngster who needs to get his path sorted before it negatively impacts his game.