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Brendan Rodgers insists Liverpool are still an attractive proposition for top talent in the wake of Raheem Sterling’s exit – but admits they need to get back into the Champions League to ensure they retain their prized assets.

The Reds boss revealed that he had exchanged text messages with Sterling since his £49million move to Manchester City was confirmed on Tuesday – once again rubbishing talk of a rift between them.

Rodgers, speaking at a press conference in Brisbane ahead of Friday’s night clash with Brisbane Roar (kick-off 9.45am BST), said: “Players will always be wanting to come to Liverpool. It’s such an iconic club, but in the modern game and with the market now, players will move on.

“Unfortunately, it’s something you have to accept. You have to fight and as long as you do everything you possibly can to keep the player, that’s all you can ever do.

“If the player moves on you thank him for his contribution and look to develop and improve the next player that comes in.

“You can’t deny the size of Liverpool as a football club. The challenge for us is to get it back among the top clubs in this division.”

Rodgers praised Sterling for his contribution over the past three years as the England international departed having scored 23 goals in 129 appearances for the Reds.

“There were lots of reports about him and I not speaking and falling out and that’s never been further from the truth,” he added.

“This is a kid I put into the team at 17 years of age - a wonderful talent and from that point on him and I worked together very closely.

“There were obviously stories going about towards the end but it’s done with now.

“We were texting each other yesterday. Our communication is fine. We had a long chat about his journey before we left on Sunday in the office.

“I thought by the time we got back he would probably be gone. He was a wonderful young kid for me.

“He came out of the youth team and became a fully fledged international footballer.

“We can all hold our heads up high at Liverpool knowing that we put absolutely everything into him and his development.

“The supporters gave him all the support and nurtured him through. He decided to move on. Now he’s a Manchester City player and we’ll focus on the players we have here.”