Rodgers: I didn't say Sterling is like Messi

The former Swansea City manager was quoted as saying the England international starlet is similar to the three-time Ballon d'Or winner in that he gets fans on their feet, but has denied comparing Raheem Sterling with Lione Messi ahead of the new Premier League campaign....Smart one from Rodgers...?

"I didn't say Raheem Sterling was like Lionel Messi, I was a bit shocked to read I'd 'said' that. He's a great young talent, though," he told reporters.

"Sterling is just one of a number of young players here with so much potential, we're looking forward to seeing their developments,he said.