by Benny The Noon » Fri Aug 16, 2013 7:20 am
Liverpool reject Stewart Downing baffled by how quickly Brendan Rodgers sold him to West Ham
Kop out: Downing is now a Hammer - and aiming for the England squad
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By Marc Isaacs | 15 Aug 2013 22:31
Stewart Downing has slammed Brendan Rodgers for going back on his word to keep him at Liverpool.
And the new West Ham winger is adamant that money played no part in his decision to leave Anfield.
Mirror Sport understands that Downing has actually taken a pay-cut to join the Hammers and was desperate to get regular first-team football after signing a four-year deal.
Downing was baffled to hear comments from his former manager on Thursday that he had been offered ‘an incredible deal at West Ham and has taken that decision to go’.
The 29-year-old clearly has a different take to the story and after, he claims, being told that he was a key part of Rodgers’ plans this season, he feels the Liverpool boss had a change of heart over his future and was happy for him to leave.
Downing featured heavily for the Anfield giants during the pre-season campaign and was preparing for their opening game against Stoke on Saturday.
But when West Ham made their interest known, Liverpool quickly accepted their £6million offer and Downing knew Rodgers had no plans to play him.
“I spoke to the manager and he said he wanted me to stay. So I’m disappointed that one minute I was staying and the next minute I’m gone," said Downing.
“It was a surprise because it happened so quick. One minute I was in the starting XI for Liverpool, and the next I was on my way to London.
“I was playing in the team and playing regularly and that’s why I was surprised to be told that a fee had been accepted. It is normally when you are not playing, or you are not in the squad is why you leave.”
When asked if he was surprised to hear Rodgers' comments that he had been offered an 'incredible' deal at West Ham and wanted to leave because of it, he replied: “I don’t know about that.
“Obviously, I’ve got a four-year contract but having the opportunity to play was the big thing. At my age, I need to play. And in a World Cup year, I need to be in with a chance.
“Maybe for the club it was an unbelievable offer, I don’t know.”
With England facing crucial World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine next month, Downing knows he has the ideal chance to force his way back into the senior squad if he manages to find his best form again at Upton Park.
England manager Roy Hodgson has showed he is ready to recall players who are hitting top form, and Downing feels he has the perfect opportunity to do that playing alongside the likes of Andy Carroll, once the striker is fit, and Matt Jarvis.
He added: “I always watch the England games. I think most players would think they can bring their qualities to the team.
“I went to the Euros and didn’t play and I haven’t been picked since, which is a bit strange. That’s why I think I’m moving at a good time with a year leading up to the World Cup I have a chance to play. It is up to me now.
“I didn’t play with Andy as much as we would have liked (at Liverpool) but I am looking forward to it. His strengths suit me, crossing and having someone in the box who will head it. I know he is a favourite here so hopefully he can carry on his form.
“He asked me if I was coming. I am glad he is here. He is probably happy I am here. He is a friend. If you are friends off the pitch you generally do well on it.”
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