Former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson says the criticism Raheem Sterling has received will make him a better player.
The current England manager believes that the reaction to the 20 year old’s departure was inevitable given the size of the club he left.
Sterling missed two training sessions and requested to be left out of Liverpool’s pre-season tour squad in order to force his way out of Anfield.
Whilst on international duty, the winger was subject to boos during England’s friendly with Ireland when it first emerged that he wouldn’t be signing a new contract.
Although Sterling dealt with the situation in a bad manner, Hodgson believes it will make him a better player.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the former Reds boss says:
“That is part and parcel of football really. But I think if anything that will help him to mature and improve even more. I think for his age he is a remarkably strong and robust person, not just physically on the field but mentally.
“And these things will make him stronger. He has got a big price tag to carry around, but I think he is a good enough player to do so.”
Hodgson was appointed Liverpool manager in 2010 and had a turbulent 12 months on Merseyside.
The former Fulham manager believes the mental belief of the Liverpool fans made the move difficult for Sterling:
“The fact he was playing for a club with a very strong fan base, not only in England but in other parts of the world, and unfortunately for him, I suppose, the fans locally at Liverpool took unkindly to the fact that he made it clear he wanted to move.”
