RAHEEM STERLING STRIPPED OF SHIRT NUMBER AS CHELSEA EXIT BECOMES MESSY

Raheem Sterling has been brutally stripped of his Chelsea squad number as his probable exit from Stamford Bridge grows increasingly messy.

The former Manchester City star finds himself in an uncomfortable situation in west London. He had figured prominently in pre-season but was left out of Enzo Maresca ’s matchday squad against his former side at the weekend.

His camp issued a statement in the immediate aftermath demanding “clarity” on the situation. But things have since grown worse for Sterling at Chelsea.

The Blues confirmed that new summer signing Pedro Neto has claimed his number 7 shirt after completing a big-money move from Wolves. Sterling had owned the number since moving to Stamford Bridge from Man City.

That decision, as well as Enzo Maresca’s assessment of Sterling, points to the fact that the England star has no future at the club. Asked about both Sterling and Ben Chilwell’s future in a press conference, the Italian replied: "In this moment, they are training apart. The situation with them both is quite clear. There is not any update on their situations."

He added: "No, because they are Chelsea players. Until they are Chelsea players, they want to be Chelsea players. We have a big squad and it is impossible to give them all minutes.

"If they are looking for minutes, then it is better if they leave. If they do not leave, then they have a contract here and they are Chelsea player."

Asked if Sterling has a long-term future with the Blues, Maresca replied: "I'm not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer different kinds of wingers. This is the reason why."

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And Maresca also revealed that he had not spoken with the winger since leaving him out of the squad to face Man City. He added: "I spoke with Raheem, one-on-one the day before City and I explained him exactly the situation.

“I don’t see Raheem after the game. He is training apart as I said, but in case I sit with Raheem, I will tell him exactly the same things that I already told him. I don’t have thing new to tell him because I was quite clear."

Sterling, 29, was signed from Man City two years ago for £49.5m. He still has three years remaining on his contract with an option for a further campaign.

Since signing for Chelsea, he has scored 19 goals in just 81 games. Away from Neto claiming his number, another of the Blues’ summer signings have found out their squad number.

Joao Felix is set to don number 14 this term after returning to Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese forward completed a permanent move from Atletico Madrid, with Conor Gallagher going in the opposite direction.

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2024-08-21T16:52:31Z dg43tfdfdgfd