Raheem Sterling has allegedly been caught on camera inhaling nitrous oxide, just three months after being warned about his conduct by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
The 20-year-old was filmed on a yacht in Ibiza where it appears he is inhaling the substance — known as laughing gas — through a balloon.
In the latest footage, the England international can be seen laughing and dancing on holiday with male and female friends, according to The Sun. It is an entirely legal practice, but after similar footage emerged in April, Rodgers warned that he did not think a professional footballer should be doing it. Sterling was also pictured smoking a shisha pipe. Rodgers said at the time: ‘Young players make mistakes, as long as they learn from them, that is what is important. I don’t think it is something you should be doing, it’s as simple as that. We want players here who are super-professional and focused on their football.’
It is illegal to sell nitrous oxide to those under 18 in England and Wales. Stephen Ream, from drugs charity Re-Solv, said: ‘As an international footballer, there are concerns about the message his behaviour is sending out.’
Liverpool declined to comment yesterday.
Of course, Sterling may not be a Liverpool player when he returns from his holiday, with Manchester City intent on signing him — though they have had a £40million bid rejected.
Meanwhile, Martin Skrtel has ended speculation about his future and agreed a new deal at Anfield. The Slovakian defender, who has been at Liverpool since January 2008, had entered into the final 12 months of his contract and had been at loggerheads over the terms. He described one offer as ‘unacceptable’.
During the impasse in discussions, he had been a target for Inter Milan, but Skrtel is now ready to sign a deal when he returns from his holidays.
Liverpool, who are due back in training on July 6, also expect to complete the signing of Charlton and England Under 19 defender Joe Gomez. He is due to have a medical on Merseyside today.
Nathaniel Clyne should also move to Anfield now that Southampton have signed a replacement right back in Cederic Soares, on a four-year deal. Liverpool’s opening bid for Clyne, somewhere below £10million, was rejected. – Daily Mail