Jay Bothroyd defends Raheem Sterling's decision to 'leave' Liverpool

Former Cardiff City and Queens Park Rangers striker Jay Bothroyd believes that people are wrong to criticise Raheem Sterling for reportedly wanting to leave Liverpool.

Stories emerged last night claiming that the 20-year-old will tell manager Brendan Rodgers that he will not sign a new contract.

It has been reported that the England international feels bullied into signing a fresh deal, which is thought to be worth £100,000 a week, and is upset with Liverpool for failing to protect him from recent negative headlines.

Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher criticised Sterling for not keeping his "mouth shut" and believes that he should be "embarrassed" to show his face in training after the latest reports.

However, Bothroyd, who now plays for Japanese club Jubilo Iwata, has taken a different stance. He tweeted: "Why are people hammering @sterling31 for wanting to better his chances of earning silverware and getting as much money as possible?

"There is no loyalty in football and we have seen that! Why didn't Liverpool tie Gerrard down ? Chelsea the same with Lampard ? Football clubs use players until they are not needed why can't players do the same with clubs? That's the real question!"

Sterling has two years left on his current contract.