Raheem Sterling Lambasted by Jamie Carragher, Liverpool Star Told to Ditch Agent

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has criticised Raheem Sterling for "taking on the club," saying the want-away winger must change his agent after a string of leaks to the press.

Reports of Sterling wanting to depart arose on Monday night. He is "expected" to tell Reds boss Brendan Rodgers he wants to leave at the end of the season, as reported by Ben Smith of BBC Sport. Sky Sports pundit Carragher made his feelings known on Monday Night Football, criticising Sterling's agent Aidy Ward and the player's quality in big matches.

"For a 20-year-old kid and his agent to be taking on the club, there's nothing worse than that," said Carragher, per Sky Sports. "Forget his performances and forget how much money he wants, you just keep your mouth shut and get on with playing football."

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Sterling previously gave an interview to Natalie Pirks of the BBC—which wasn't sanctioned by Liverpool—in which he wanted to make clear he isn't "a money-grabbing 20-year-old." This came after he turned down £100,000 per week to remain at Anfield.

Carragher believes, even if Sterling wants to win trophies elsewhere, he needs to prove he's worth the kind of cash Liverpool have already thrown at him, per Sky Sports:

"

The way it will come out will be that it's not about money. It may not be about money. It could be about trophies or playing in the Champions League.

If it's about trophies, last season Liverpool were that close to winning the league and he was fantastic. Now they're not close this year and they're not going to be close next year, if I'm totally honest but Liverpool had a chance of a trophy this year in the semi-final of the FA Cup against Aston Villa. Where was Raheem Sterling?

"

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The former captain continued by pinpointing the poor performances of the club and Sterling in Europe: "What did Liverpool do in the Champions League this season? Nothing. What did Raheem Sterling do? Nothing."

Carragher focused on the youngster's agent, who he suggested continues to provide the player with bad advice.

"If there's one thing he needs to change, it's his agent," said Carragher, per Sky Sports. "The thing I don't like about it is Raheem's still a kid. For a 20-year-old kid to be taking on Liverpool Football Club over a contract, it just winds me up and angers me to the pit of my stomach."

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Sterling has posted an inconsistent season in a Liverpool side who have varied between excellent and extremely poor. Per WhoScored.com, the Englishman has scored seven and assisted seven this season, numbers that are more than respectable for such a young talent. However, his decision to turn down such a large contract means it's possible to make a harsher judgement.

Sky Sports compared his current stats to those of last season:

Sterling's quality compared to his team-mates was also highlighted:

Gary Neville, Carragher's colleague, believes Liverpool shouldn't give up on the player:

Paul Joyce of the Express notes Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea's interest in Sterling. It's difficult to suggest he would be given more responsibility at any of these clubs who possess greater attacking strength-in-depth than Liverpool. Rodgers is only likely to sell for a major fee, a number which will most likely add to the pressure Sterling is currently playing under.

B/R UK's Stan Collymore believes Sterling's career could go either way:

The boss has done all he can to provide playing opportunities, but in the end, it seems this may have acted as a catalyst in Sterling's decision to leave. He has quickly become one of the club's most important players, and with it, his expectations have changed.

Just playing isn't enough for an England international who has been monitored by Real Madrid, according to Castilla coach Zinedine Zidane, per Sky Sports.

Carragher, a man who dedicated his whole career to Liverpool, speaks for many with his comments. Sterling grew up in London, however, and he may feel more connected to the English capital. This could aid Arsenal and Chelsea's potential quests to snap him up.

Whatever happens during the summer, Sterling is unlikely to be welcomed back by many fans of the club. While we've seen Wayne Rooney get through similar situations at Manchester United—only to be loved again by supporters when he stays—Sterling's decision at such a young age will need to be carried throughout the rest of his career.