Shocker: Flanagan Wants To Stay At Liverpool Forever And Ever

Of the 45,000 supporters in attendance at Anfield for Wednesday's Manchester City clash, Jon Flanagan seemed to be the only one confused by Raheem Sterling's decision not to stick around and chat.

"I missed Raheem after," Flanagan told the The Echo, "I would have liked to have a chat with him but he had already gone."

Perhaps the former Liverpool starlet was upset at the 3-0 defeat. Or perhaps disappointed about being pulled at the half. Or perhaps he was still sore--either emotionally or physically--after Flanagan's first-minute crunching tackle which helped set the tone for the game.

"The ball was just there to be won. It got the crowd going and all the lads followed. Raheem is a good lad and one of my mates, but business is business."

On a night when the offense showed rare ruthlessness in front of goal, two tackles (Flanagan's and Toure's in the second half aginst Sergio Aguero), were equally big talking points.

It has been no secret that Flanagan has been vying for a new contract with Liverpool, and with more performances like Wednesday night's, it's hard to imagine a scenario where that doesn't happen. While Flanagan might not be a week-in, week-out starter, he's certainly a very capable back-up in a position where Liverpool are thin.

For now, Flanno says he's trying not to worry about the contract.

"When your chance comes you have to take it and I was satisfied with how it went. The manager gave me a chance and I was happy with my performance.

"I'm just focused on my football and letting my agent deal with the contract side of things. I just have to do my stuff on the pitch and show the manager what I can do."

The Scouse Cafu was fortunate enough to play under two local legends in Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, and reiterated his desire to follow in their giant footsteps.

"Carra and Stevie were both massive for me. From the first day I went to Melwood, they were giving me great advice and guiding me. Being local lads themselves, they knew the situation I was in. I learned so much from them.

"I'm a local lad and this is my club. I want to stay here and help Liverpool win trophies. I want to be a one-club man."

We supporters can never really know what's happening behind closed doors, but this seems like a no-brainer for the club. Flanagan is a local, loves the club, fights hard when given the chance, and is happy to fight for his chance to play. Unless he's asking for a massive and unreasonable pay raise (which seems unlikely), sign him up and move on.