Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan has laid into ‘selfish’ Daniel Sturridge and labelled him as a “problem player”.
The former Liverpool striker is available as a free agent after leaving the Anfield club last month.
And in a scathing attack, Jordan claimed he would never have Sturridge at his club and suggested there was a reason Jurgen Klopp had got rid of him.
Speaking in his role as a talkSPORT pundit, Jordan said: “Not in any parallel universe would I sign Daniel Sturridge. Not for me.
“I wouldn’t even give him a pay-as-you-play deal.
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“I wouldn’t want Sturridge in my dressing room or at my training ground around younger players.”
“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.
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“The fact 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.”
Sturridge is yet to find a new club after Liverpool decided not to renew his contract.
The England international has been linked with a move to the MLS , as well as several clubs across Europe and Qatar, but has not reached a concrete agreement.
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Turkish side Fenerbahce were one side believed to be interested in his services, but have ended talks due to his high financial demands.
Jordan added: “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!
“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.
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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.”
