Downing told he can leave Liverpool by boss Rodgers

16-Dec-2012 4:55:00 PM

The 28-year-old has endured a frustrating spell at Anfield after joining the Merseyside club for £20m in 2011, and has been told by manager Brendan Rodgers he can find a new club

Liverpool winger Stewart Downing has been told he can find a new club in order to get regular game time after failing to cement a starting place under new manager Brendan Rodgers.

The 28-year-old winger has frustrated Anfield fans in his 18-month spell at the club, and after being played up and down the left side this season, the manager's patience with Downing appears to have run out.

And with the blessing of Rodgers, the former Aston Villa man will start looking at alternative options in January - but may have to wait until the summer for a more permanent move.

"The manager has said I can leave if I want to. I think it's just the nature of football, the old cliche about it being a funny old game is true," he told reporters.

"I've played for a long time and there are spells when you can be in and out of any side. At the minute I'm trying to play as much as possible.

"If that doesn't happen I am at an age where I cannot be sat around. I need to play and the manager understands that."

The winger played 36 Premier League games for the Reds last season but failed to score a single league goal, and has not scored in six league appearances this term. He has, however, found the net three times in the Europa League.

And with Rodgers seemingly preferring Jose Enrique in a more advanced position on the left, Downing is looking at the upcoming transfer window and the summer for a potential move away from Anfield: "That's how the situation is and we will have to see what happens in January or in the summer."

Inside Goal.Com

Why Ancelotti is the right man to deliver La Decima
In the aftermath of the announcement of Mourinho's imminent departure from Real Madrid, Brendon Netto discusses why Ancelotti could be an able replacement.
Milan would be foolish to let go of Allegri
The Rossoneri coach's future has been mired in doubt despite the club finishing within the Champions League spots after a dismal start to the season...
Arsenal should build on CL qualification
Arsenal were ecstatic last night after securing fourth place once again. Brendon Netto discusses why it's time Arsenal build on this platform and finally move forward..
Transfer Talk: Read all the gossips
The Goal.com Rumour Mill is your 24/7 source for all the latest rumblings in the global transfer market.
Who is the greatest CL striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel