Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers disagrees with Raheem Sterling's 'legal high antics'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 14 April 2015

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists that footballers shouldn't be taking 'legal highs' after footage of Raheem Sterling inhaling nitrous oxide emerged.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has warned Raheem Sterling about his off-field behaviour after footage emerged of the youngster apparently inhaling 'legal high' nitrous oxide.

The England international, who scored in last night's 2-0 win over Newcastle United at Anfield, was also recently allegedly photographed smoking a shisha pipe.

After the match at Anfield, Rodgers confirmed that he will speak to the 20-year-old regarding The Sun's footage of him appearing to inhale 'laughing gas', and the Northern Irishman later insisted that professional footballers should not indulge in such antics.

"For me it is something that when you are professional sportsperson at the top level of the game, I don't think it is something you should be doing," Rodgers told reporters. "It is as simple as that.

"We want players here who are super professional and focused on their football. I know he is. He very much is focused on his football and improving as a player.

"As I have said before, young players make mistakes. As long as they learn from them, that is what is important. I will speak to Raheem. Until then, it is something we will deal with internally."

Sterling has been linked with a summer move away from Anfield after he rejected a £100,000-a-week contract and has delayed talks over a new deal until the end of the season.