Jordan Henderson has been named as Liverpool’s new captain, replacing the departed Steven Gerrard, the Premier League club announced on Friday, while Raheem Sterling has returned to training

Former Sunderland midfielder Henderson has long been tipped for the captain’s armband permanently since Gerrard announced that he was joining MLS side LA Galaxy.

“I’m absolutely delighted and proud. It is a great honour and a huge privilege to be named as the captain of this football club,” Henderson said.

“When Steven wasn’t in the team last season, I tried to do the best I could when I stepped in and took the armband. Now I’ll be looking to carry that on and continue to grow as a captain.

“I’ll look to give my best all of the time, put the team firmly first and try to give them – or help them with – whatever they need from me.”

The 25-year-old has been a key figure, making nearly 200 appearances for the Merseysiders since joining for £16 million (Dh91m) four years ago.

Meanwhile, Sterling has returned to training after a two-day hiatus as speculation increases about the winger’s future. The 20-year-old, who is wanted by rivals Manchester City, is believed to have called in sick and allegedly told the club earlier this week that he didn’t want to go on their pre-season tour of Asia and Australia.

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Former captain Gerrard, who’s set to make his debut for LA Galaxy this weekend, has criticised Sterling over the ongoing dispute.

“I’m not happy with all that carry-on. He needs to go in and see the owners. You don’t have to throw in illness, or refuse to go on tour,” Gerrard said.

“There are millions of Liverpool fans waiting to see Raheem pull on a Liverpool shirt. It looks very disappointing from where I’m sat.”

But there was good news for the Reds yesterday as defender Martin Skrtel finally penned a new deal.

The 30-year-old would have been a free agent next summer if terms had not been agreed, but talks were prolonged as the Slovakia international held out for a suitable deal.