Raheem Sterling has committed his future to Liverpool by signing a five-year deal with the club.

Sterling, who turned 18 and became eligible to sign a senior contract on December 8th, said: “It’s every 18-year-old’s dream. I’m just really grateful to be at such a big club like this. There’s a lot more to be done. I haven’t begun yet, as the manager has said.

“Hopefully I can kick on after the new year and try to do my best for the team and the football club.”

Managing director Ian Ayre said: “This is another positive step forward for the football club in securing the long-term future of one of the country’s brightest young talents. The negotiations were very positive and both parties acted in a very responsible way to reach an outcome that benefits both Raheem and Liverpool FC.”

Sterling, still 18, has broken into the first-team picture to great effect at Anfield this season and has so far made 25 appearances

Brendan Rodgers has warned players to forget about joining Liverpool if money is their primary motivation.

In what could be viewed as a veiled threat to Daniel Sturridge, whose proposed £12 million (€14.7m) arrival from Chelsea next month has stalled over his representatives’ demands, the Liverpool manager is adamant he will not sign any player he suspects of lacking the necessary hunger to succeed on Merseyside.

Rodgers said three years without Champions League football has hindered Liverpool’s ability to compete with the highest payers. But he believes the club will not return to that level with players who view Liverpool as a comfortable pay day.

Sturridge has agreed personal terms with Liverpool but a proposed medical on Merseyside this week was postponed after the club refused to meet the demands of Octagon, the 23-year-old’s representatives, for a percentage of any future sell-on fee.

Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’s owners, have ordered a reduction in the amount spent on agent fees and Rodgers will turn to Paris Saint-Germain’s Kevin Gameiro should the Sturridge deal drag on.

“Players wanting to play for the club is the single biggest thing for me,” said Rodgers.

“The club are on board with me on that. It is one of the things I hit on when I walked in here. It is part of what we need to be successful again.

“You trace back over many years at this club and they have brought hungry players in. They were also good players but they were all hungry.”