Raheem Sterling, Roy Hodgson: England Star In Huge Fitness War With Fans, Premier League, Coaches And Liverpool Football Club

Raheem Sterling might be the hottest prospect in world football right now, but the 19-year-old is involved in a huge battle over his fitness. The star has played more than 3,000 minutes of football in 2014 for Liverpool and his country, England, but after asking for a minor rest, he has received a huge backlash. The teen winger earns huge money, and fans think it's an outrage he suggested he should "rest." But sports psychologist Dr. Jennifer Cumm told the BBC it was a smart and brave move. Will his fans get off his back, or will he have some explaining to do?

The star has played more sporting minutes than many fellow football stars, and more than his rivals in different sports. He told boss Roy Hodgson he was "too tired" and that it would be "useless" to play him, considering his game is often based around his energy levels.

Despite a huge backlash, Cumm insisted, "To see this athlete acknowledge he would struggle to make an impact is a very brave move. Comparatively there are a lot of former players who are open to talking about these issues and their problems. The more we break the stigmas of psychological stress and strain in sport being a weakness, the more we can send a really important message."

She continued, "Burnout is an ongoing problem that slowly accumulates. Training and playing in an international team is something we've seen contribute towards stress before in rugby players."

Was Sterling brave or is he being lazy considering his huge, nearly $80,000-a-week salary?