One thing you can always rely on is ex-footballers opening their mouths and instantly winding up fans of rival clubs and that’s exactly what Francis Lee seemed intent on doing when he spoke about Raheem Sterling this weekend.
Strangely, Lee seems to be of the opinion that Liverpool lost Sterling last summer when they failed to improve his £25,000 per week contract after his showing at the World Cup. Speaking to the Mail, Lee said: “Raheem went to the World Cup in 2014 and was one of England’s best players.
“You would have thought when he got back that Liverpool would want to get him on a big contract but instead they seemed to do nothing and carry on with the £25,000-a-week contract he already had.
“What world were they living in? It wasn’t the going rate for one of the best players in the England team.
“Either they were trying to sell him or they were taking him for granted. It can happen when you are a young player who has come up through the youth team and reserves. You can be mucked about.
“I can relate to it. Early in my career I was top scorer at Bolton for five seasons but because I was a local boy, I was never one of the best-paid players. By the time my contract was up, they offered me five times my basic wages but it was too late for me.
“He can be a big star at this club. He is a bloody good footballer and a lot of people don’t realise he’s a tough little player as well. When he gets a balanced role at City, I think he will be outstanding.”
Being ‘one of England’s best players’ wasn’t particularly hard, considering the national team lasted only 3 games. Not to mention that Sterling only scored his first international goal in March this year, so it’s hard to see where Lee is coming from on that front. It would also be interesting to know where Lee found out Sterling’s wage at Anfield.
Of course, there is no doubting that Sterling is one of the most exciting talents in English football, something which Liverpool clearly believed when the 20 year old was offered a reported £100,000 per week before Christmas (something Lee conveniently forgets). However, to club’s like Liverpool, loyalty and respect are a two-way street, and the regardless of the real reasons Sterling chose to leave, his – and his agents – conduct in the months leading up to his exit were completely undignified and classless, and the player will not be missed.
That said, it seems fairly clear that Lee was only intent on winding up Liverpool fans with his comments, because the alternative is slightly worrying for City fans!
What do you think of Lee’s comments; do you agree? Let us know your thoughts below.
yadda yadda yadda….respect is something that has to be earned, same as stupid wages
lee go to hell wth ur fr*** coment
Lee you not got a clue lad.sterling was not wanted.he was too greedy.and it showed in his game in later half of last season.good riddance.we are well aware of his ability but my view the lad thought he was better than he actually is
£25,000 per week for an 19 year old boy who is still learning his game is not bad you know Mr Lee but then again 45 million is not bad either plus a England international for free I think I know who got the best deal
Franny Lee talking s**t – well he did own a toilet roll company! He was also known as Lee Won Pen as he was the biggest diver of his era. In one season alone he had 15 penalties.
Do you mean respect like giving him time off mid-season to have a Caribbean holiday?
What a pathetic view lee , sterling is history for us we got decent money and it was a good deal for both parties. Anyway I saw him already moaning and cursing under his breath when substituted today , we will see how long before he disrespects city , a kid who impregnates 2 different women at the age of 18 , questions his management, sulks, takes laughing gas to get high and deserves respect ?
You mean like city respected milner
Sterling on 150k a week or boring fading Milner on 165k a week? I know which one id prefer. We should’ve paid Raheem what he wanted no doubt about it.