Raheem Sterling reveals he had to Google Ricky Villa and Ricky Gervais after Brendan Rodgers joke

Raheem Sterling has revealed he was not offended by Brendan Rodgers joke following his miss against Tottenham – as he had difficulty understanding it, reports the Express.

The 19-year-old was man of the match in the 3-0 win over Tottenham, scoring one and causing havoc all afternoon. However, he was denied a second goal after a brilliant mazy run was ended by a weak finish which was comfortably saved by Hugo Lloris.

That prompted Rodgers to say after the game: “I had to laugh at his wee moment of skill. I thought he was into the box like Ricky Villa and he finished it like Ricky Gervais.”

But the teenager has revealed he had to Google both of the cultural references in order to understand the gag.

He said: “At first when I was told what he said I didn’t even understand it.

“But I typed both names in so I know what he meant now.”

Villa is most famous for the wonder goal he scored for Tottenham in the FA Cup Final Replay against Manchester City in 1981 – 13 years before Sterling was born.

And Gervais is considered perhaps one of the most famous comedians in the country, starring in hit sitcom ‘The Office’ – however Sterling remained unaware.

Sterling added: “When I checked the name it was ‘Oh, OK, that’s who it is’.

“Brendan has joked about it and said it was like a baby’s shot. He’s given me a bit of stick for it but my finishing is something I’m improving on and will keep improving on. Hopefully next time I’ll score two.

“We have professional respect. He’s a good man-manager and has helped me a lot on and off the training field. I really look up to him and am glad he’s my manager.”