Raheem Sterling seeks clarity after Chelsea exclude him from squad
Raheem Sterling wants clarity about his Chelsea future after he was not in the squad for Sunday’s 2-0 win Premier League Opening loss against Manchester City.
The 29-year-old played in all six games during the club’s pre-season in the USA, but was left out of the squad for Enzo Maresca’s first competitive game as coach at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca, who called it a technical decision not to use Sterling, had previously said England The international is “an important player” and is believed to be part of his plans, although there has been speculation linking him with a possible move away from Chelsea.
After the game, Maresca reiterated his pre-match comments, but said that due to squad size, some players would have to go.
“I don’t know,” Maresca said. “The only thing I can say is that it was a technical decision and we want to sit down the next day and clarify the situation, but that’s all it is.”
“All players are Chelsea players. If they are Chelsea players, we will try to use them, but only when it comes to technical decisions.”
“I want Raheem Sterling, but I want all 30 players we have. But there is not enough room for everyone, so some will have to go.”
Sources have told ESPN that Juventus are among the clubs interested in the striker’s services.
When ESPN asked for comment on Sunday’s absence before the game, Sterling’s camp issued the following statement: “Raheem Sterling is under contract with Chelsea Football Club for the next three years.
He returned to England two weeks early to complete individual training and had a successful pre-season under the new coach, with whom he has built up a good working relationship.
“He is, as ever, determined to perform at his best for Chelsea FC and the fans he values so highly and, given his mention in the club’s official pre-match material this week, we assumed Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s encounter in some capacity.
“As a camp, we have always maintained a positive dialogue with Chelsea FC and received assurances regarding Raheem’s future at the club. As such, we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation. Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season on a positive note.”
Sterling has joined Chelsea out of Manchester City in July 2022 for £47.5 million ($61.5 million) and he has made 81 appearances in all competitions, scoring 19 goals.
Chelsea is in talks with Atletico Madrid about the signing forward Joao Felix in a deal that, if completed, Conor Gallagher Move to the La Liga club in a separate transaction worth £34 million.