LIVERPOOL -- Steven Gerrard has told Raheem Sterling he should stay at Anfield and sign a new contract as he warned him of the pitfalls of wanting too much, too soon and said that leaving Liverpool could backfire.
Departing captain Gerrard feels the 20-year-old winger, who is involved in a contract dispute with Liverpool, would not get the same amount of individual attention at another club.
And Gerrard, who has spent 17 seasons in the Liverpool team, is adamant that manager Brendan Rodgers is the best person to oversee Sterling's development.
Sterling's current deal at Anfield expires in 2017 and he has rejected offers of a much-improved, extended deal amid interest from other clubs.
But Gerrard said in a news conference ahead of his final appearance at Anfield: "For me, I am always going to be biased towards this club. My advice to Raheem is where he is at now, he needs a manager who believes in him, who is going to play him and who is going to coach him. I think there is no one better for him than Brendan Rodgers.
"I think he should sign a new deal. I think it is best for his career but that is something I can't control. Brendan is a fantastic man-manager, he puts a lot of time and effort into every individual in the squad.
"The danger for younger players is they want it all too soon and they chase it and become one of a number when they go to another club and don't get that attention or that care or that love."
Gerrard said Rodgers' track record of giving opportunities to up-and-coming players is a reason why they should put their faith in him.
"If the players are good enough, Brendan has shown he will give them a chance and I am sure he will show that in the future as well," he added.
Gerrard called for owners Fenway Sports Group to give Rodgers funds to spend in the summer as Liverpool look to respond to a disappointing season.
Liverpool spent £117 million last summer but Gerrard feels the sale of Luis Suarez, plus the injury problems that have restricted Daniel Sturridge to just seven league starts, are why they are fifth in the Premier League.
He explained: "Every season, this club tries to add good quality players. This season we have fell a bit short but there is a fantastic core with good potential. I hope the owners will back Brendan.
"We have got close in two cup competitions [where they reached the last four] and got close to the top four after losing one of the best players in the world in Luis Suarez and our star striker in Daniel Sturridge."