Rodgers claims texts with Sterling
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Newspaper reports claimed last week that Sterling's exit from Liverpool was driven by the winger's unwillingness to work with Rodgers, but the Northern Irishman claims that the pair parted on good terms...
"There were lots of reports about him and I not speaking, and falling out and that's never been further than the truth," said Rodgers.
"This is a kid I put into the team at 17 years of age. A wonderful talent and from that point on him and I worked together very closely. There was obviously stories going about towards the end but it's done with now.
"We were texting each other yesterday. Our communication is fine. We had a long chat about his journey before we left on the Sunday in the office. I thought by the time we got back he would probably be gone. He was a wonderful young kid for me.
"He came out of the youth team and became a fully-fledged international footballer. We can all hold our heads up high at Liverpool knowing that we put absolutely everything into him and his development.
"The supporters gave him all the support and nurtured him through. He decided to move on. Now he's a Manchester City player and we'll focus on the players we have here."
Rodgers insists that losing Sterling a year after the exit of Luis Suarez does not make Liverpool less attractive to new players.
"Players are always going to want to come to Liverpool," says Rodgers. "It's such an iconic club. In the modern game and with the market now players will move on. Unfortunately, it's something you have to accept. You have to fight.
"As long as you do everything you possibly can to keep the player, that's all you can ever do. If the player moves ion you thank him for his contribution and look to develop and improve the next player that comes in.
"You can't deny the size of Liverpool as a football club. The challenge for us is to get it back among the top clubs in this division."
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