ENZO MARESCA BRUTALLY TELLS RAHEEM STERLING HE HAS NO FUTURE AT CHELSEA

Enzo Maresca has told Raheem Sterling he does NOT feature in his plans after the winger was omitted from Chelsea's Premier League opener.

Sterling, 29, was not included in the Blues' team that lost 2-0 to Manchester City on Sunday and the player's camp swiftly released a statement outlining they would be seeking clarity on their client's future.

Chelsea signed Sterling from City back in the summer of 2022 in a £47.5million deal which was regarded as a major coup at the time - but he is now seemingly surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to reporters in his press conference on Wednesday, Maresca said confirmed that Sterling and Ben Chilwell are training away from the first-team before saying: “I'm not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer different kinds of wingers.This is the reason why.

“I spoke with Raheem, one-on-one the day before City and I explained him exactly the situation. I didn't see Raheem after the game.

“In this moment, they (Sterling and Ben Chilwell) are training apart. The situation with them both is quite clear. There is not any update on their situations.”

He added: “In case I sit with Raheem, I will tell him exactly the same things that I already told him. I don’t have anything new to tell him because I was quite clear.”

Chelsea have spent over £1billion in the transfer market since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital acquired the club back in 2022 and Maresca - who replaced Mauricio Pochettino earlier this summer - has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal.

He did not name Sterling in his team at the weekend, with the winger's camp releasing a statement which expressed their shock at the decision.

Join the debate! Do you think Sterling should be in Chelsea's starting XI? Let us know here.

The statement read: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years.

“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.

“Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively.”

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2024-08-21T12:37:21Z dg43tfdfdgfd