Ex-Manchester City star Raheem Sterling seeking ‘clarity’ on Chelsea future amid opening-day omission
The winger was not named in the matchday squad on Sunday.
Raheem Sterling’s representatives have expressed their surprise at his omission from the Chelsea squad for the opening game of the Premier League season.
Enzo Maresca begins life as a Premier League manager with a clash against his former employers Manchester City and his one-time boss Pep Guardiola. Maresca is one of a number of ex-City staff among the Chelsea group, along with Cole Palmer, Romeo Lavia, Tosin Adarabioyo and, of course, Sterling.
But the latter won’t be involved at Stamford Bridge on Sunday as he was left out of the Blues’ 20-man squad. Sterling played all six pre-season games for the London club and conducted media duties in the build-up to the game, so his omission was a surprise.
But in a further shock move, Sterling’s camp released a statement expressing their disappointment at the club’s decision. “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years,” the statement read.
“He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with.
“He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.
“As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.”
Sterling, who won four Premier League titles since his move from the Etihad, has scored 19 goals in 81 appearances for Chelsea. He has been linked with a exit this summer, rumours which will only increase following the controversial statement.