Ex-Crystal Palace chief Simon Jordan launches stinging attack on problem player Daniel Sturrid
EX-Crystal Palace chief Simon Jordan has launched a stinging attack on "problem player" Daniel Sturridge - warning other clubs not to sign him.
Jordan reckons no Premier League clubs are willing to take a chance on the ex-Liverpool star, 29, because he's "troubled".
Pulling no punches, the former Eagles owner slated Sturridge's attitude and discipline, on talkSPORT.
Sturridge is said to be mulling over offers from 13 different clubs - all outside of the Prem - and will make a decision in the coming days.
But when asked if he would sign the 26-cap England star if he was still in charge, Jordan said: “No. Not in any parallel universe would I sign Sturridge. Not for me.
“I wouldn’t even give him a pay as you play deal. I wouldn’t want Sturridge in my dressing room or at my training ground around younger players.”
Jordan continued: “I think the conventional wisdom in the game is that Daniel Sturridge is a troubled, problem player.
“He’s a very, very, very talented footballer but he’s a divisive influence. Jurgen Klopp has never had him since day one he arrived at Liverpool.
The fact nobody wants Sturridge will give you clear indication... He’s one of those players who plays entirely for himself. He is all about himself.
Jordan on Sturridge“[This is] an industry that will take some of the worst people at times, and has no care or concern for how people are and what kind of individuals they are – whether that’s owners, managers or players...
"The fact nobody wants Sturridge will give you clear indication the industry has a certain perception of him.
“He’s one of those players who plays entirely for himself. He is, in my view, all about himself."
Jordan went on to say it looks even worse on Sturridge that no-one will take him even though he's available on a free transfer after being released by Liverpool.
The ex-Eagles owner said: “He’s come out of a club like Liverpool, been marginalised by them and nobody wants him.
"Nobody is picking up a free option. He is a free player!
Whenever I watched him as a player I was horrified by him... I’m not surprised he’s in this position.
Jordan on Sturridge“He won’t be free in terms of wages and his agent will be trying to manifest any transfer fee into his wages, but that won’t be a deterrent to clubs if they want him.
“There is a clear message – it’s nothing to do with his betting or any of that, it’s to do with his performances and his propensity to not be fit."
But Jordan said it's not just his attitude, but his on-field performances that have put him off Sturridge.
He revealed: “Whenever I watched him as a player I was horrified by him, I thought he was useless at the 2014 World Cup, a complete and utter waste of time at Euro 2016.
“I’m not surprised he’s in this position and, I know it’s quite strident but, I think it’s good.
"He’s one of those players who should be doing so much more, has earned a lot of money from the game and hasn’t given quite as much back to the game as he should have done.
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“Inevitably he’ll get a club, inevitably he’ll end up in the ghastly Chinese Super League or somewhere like that.
"But for his talent he should be playing for one of the elite clubs.
“But it’s not all about talent, it’s about their approach, their attitude and outlook, the way they apply themselves and their discipline.
"I think all of those are lacking in Daniel Sturridge. I wouldn’t take him, but I’m sure there is someone out there foolish enough to take him.”
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