Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has revealed that he is "very disappointed" over the way in which want-away winger Raheem Sterling has conducted himself recently.
The 20-year-old missed training on Thursday for the second day in succession after phoning in sick, following the Reds' decision to reject a £40m bid from Manchester City.
The England international also reportedly refused to participate in the club's pre-season tour of Australia.
Gerrard, whose legendary Liverpool career came to an end last season, has been replaced as captain by Jordan Henderson, and the 35-year-old says that Sterling can learn a lot from his teammate's professionalism.
Asked by BBC Sport what his thoughts were on the matter, Gerrard said: "Very disappointed. I'd love to be able to say what I want to say on it.
"Raheem and Jordan are at different ends of the scale. Jordan's so professional, he's a winner, a great lad. I don't think there's a more fitting player to take that armband off me.
"I see a lot of my game in Jordan's game and what I like about him is he's very humble."
Sterling is contracted to the Anfield club until 2017.
Shane Callaghan
