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Real Madrid do not need Sterling, says Ancelotti

ESPN staff
October 19, 2014
Brendan Rodgers says criticism of Raheem Sterling is 'unfair'

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed Raheem Sterling is not a target for the European champions.

Sterling is yet to sign a new contract at Liverpool - though the Sunday Mirror claims talks are "have progressed very well" on a £100,000-a-week deal - and the forward has been heavily linked with a move to the Spanish capital.

But Ancelotti has dismissed the rumours, saying: "It is clear Sterling is not in our plans."

Speaking to The Sun, he added: "Sterling is a player of great quality, certainly one of the best in Europe. But we already have extraordinary talent here.

"Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo are still young - and we have a talent here called Jese who is even younger.

"He is injured at the moment but already last year he has done things that are extraordinary, so to think of another striker for the Real Madrid attack is really extremely difficult."

Sterling will line up for Liverpool against Real on Wednesday in the Champions League, and Ancelotti is wary of the 19-year-old's talents.

"Sterling is strong because he has a specific quality which is pace and controlling the ball at pace which is unique," he said. "In today's football at this level pace is a very important element.

"But I never worry about only one player. I always think I have to play against a team."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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