Henderson reckons Sterling can 'blossom' at Liverpool

Midfielder Jordan Henderson is hoping that teammate Raheem Sterling will resolve his contract dispute and stay at Liverpool, where he could 'blossom as a player'.

Sterling stirred up controversy by turning down a new 100,000 pound-a-week contract with the club. The issue got further highlighted when his agent Aidy Ward allegedly said the player would not sign a new deal even if he was offered "900,000 pounds a week".

However, team manager Brendan Rodgers has insisted that the player would still be at his club after the summer transfer window closes.

Henderson defended his teammate saying that he couldn't fault him as a person or player, adding that Sterling is not who people think he is, the BBC reported.

Describing Sterling as a great lad, Henderson said that the winger gives everything for the team and is improving all the time.

Henderson added that he hoped they could keep him at Liverpool for many years as Sterling can 'blossom' and become a top player at Anfield.

Liverpool endured a disappointing Premier League campaign this season as they failed to qualify for the Champions League, and suffered an FA Cup semi-final defeat to Aston Villa.