Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says there were no personal issues with Raheem Sterling as he confirms winger's £49m exit

By Dominic King for the Daily Mail

Published: 04:41 EST, 13 July 2015 | Updated: 17:19 EST, 13 July 2015

Brendan Rodgers has railed against claims that a breakdown in his relationship with Raheem Sterling forced the England winger into Manchester City's arms.

Liverpool arrived here on Monday for the first leg of their pre-season tour with Rodgers determined to embark on a new era, following Steven Gerrard's move to LA Galaxy and Sterling's staggering £49million switch to the Etihad Stadium.

The divorce of Sterling and Liverpool became messy, with his agent Aidy Ward suggesting he wanted to move as he felt trust had been breached; it culminated when Sterling told Rodgers he would not join the pre-season tour. He then failed to report for training twice last week, citing illness.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said that there was no problem with his relationship with Raheem Sterling

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said that there was no problem with his relationship with Raheem Sterling

The Liverpool manager spoke from the team's Plaza Athenee Bangkok hotel in Thailand after the team landed on Monday

The Liverpool manager spoke from the team's Plaza Athenee Bangkok hotel in Thailand after the team landed on Monday

Rodgers was joined by Brazilian midfielder Lucas for the press conference at the team's Bangkok hotel

Rodgers was joined by Brazilian midfielder Lucas for the press conference at the team's Bangkok hotel

The Liverpool manager and Lucas greeted the media in a traditional Thai manner before speaking

The Liverpool manager and Lucas greeted the media in a traditional Thai manner before speaking

Rodgers and Lucas pose with shirts that have 'LFC Tour 2015' written on them at the press conference in Bangkok

Rodgers and Lucas pose with shirts that have 'LFC Tour 2015' written on them at the press conference in Bangkok

Sterling (right), pictured with Rodgers in training last season, did not go on Liverpool's tour of Asia as he prepares to leave

Sterling (right), pictured with Rodgers in training last season, did not go on Liverpool's tour of Asia as he prepares to leave

PRE-SEASON TOUR FIXTURES

July 14 - Thailand All-Stars

July 17 - Brisbane Roar

July 20 - Adelaide United

July 24 - Malaysia XI 

Rodgers, though, stressed there was no ulterior motive behind Sterling's decision to join City. He was reluctant to speak at length on the subject at Liverpool's hotel but wanted to get a message across.

'Raheem and I have stayed very strong in our relationship and have been right up until we left (for Bangkok),' said Rodgers. 'So there is no issue there. I spoke to Raheem at length before I left yesterday.

'The two clubs have agreed a deal and subject to a medical he will move on. At this moment the interest is in the players that are here. The key for us is the team.'

Rodgers and captain Jordan Henderson are mobbed during a tour of the Grand Palace in Bangkok on Monday

Rodgers and captain Jordan Henderson are mobbed during a tour of the Grand Palace in Bangkok on Monday

The Liverpool manager and captain were the centre of attention during their tour of the Grand Palace

The Liverpool manager and captain were the centre of attention during their tour of the Grand Palace

Asked why he felt Liverpool would improve, Rodgers continued: 'Individuals like Raheem would have benefited from the team. We obviously need the team to be stronger and more competitive than we were last season but that will be reliant on everyone.

'The camp has been strong, the focus hard and we just want to continue and take that confidence into the beginning of the season. We are very pleased with the players we have brought in.'

Liverpool's £41.5million outlay on six new players is spearheaded by Hoffenheim striker Roberto Firmino. That figure may rise if they prise Christian Benteke away from Aston Villa, but they are reluctant to pay his £32.5m release clause.

Rodgers, Henderson and Robbie Fowler (left) pose for a photo during their tour on Monday in Bangkok

Rodgers, Henderson and Robbie Fowler (left) pose for a photo during their tour on Monday in Bangkok

Rodgers and Henderson had an unfamiliar afternoon in Thailand as they did a spot of sightseeing
Rodgers and Henderson had an unfamiliar afternoon in Thailand as they did a spot of sightseeing

Rodgers and Henderson had an unfamiliar afternoon in Thailand as they did a spot of sightseeing

(From left) Sheyi Ojo, Dejan Lovren, Lucas, Joe Maguire, Andre Wisdom and Martin Skrtel host a meet-and-greet session at the team's hotel

(From left) Sheyi Ojo, Dejan Lovren, Lucas, Joe Maguire, Andre Wisdom and Martin Skrtel host a meet-and-greet session at the team's hotel

Rodgers was prickly when he was asked how busy Liverpool would be in the remainder of the window.

'It is something I don't want to go into in a press conference,' he said. 'I spent a lot of last season talking about transfers and it's not something I really want to do this year. Any business will be done behind the scenes.'

Central defender Martin Skrtel is confident last season's dreadful form will not be repeated. 'We didn't have a good season last year but I believe with the new faces we will be stronger,' he said.

Skrtel (left), Rodgers (second left) and Henderson (right) on arrival in Bangkok earlier on Monday

Skrtel (left), Rodgers (second left) and Henderson (right) on arrival in Bangkok earlier on Monday

Photographers take pictures of Henderson, Rodgers and Skrtel after their arrival in Thailand for the pre-season tour

Photographers take pictures of Henderson, Rodgers and Skrtel after their arrival in Thailand for the pre-season tour

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