Raheem Sterling issues statement after Chelsea leave him out of opening game vs Man City
Raheem Sterling was a regular in Chelsea's pre-season but was left out of the Blues' squad for their opening Premier League match against champions Manchester City and has released statement
Raheem Sterling is seeking clarity on his future after being left out of Chelsea's squad to face Manchester City.
The 29-year-old's status at Chelsea has been speculated over in recent months but he remained a regular fixture in the Blues' preparations as they toured the United States for pre-season. There is no shortage of competition for the ex-Man City star, with Chelsea recently signing Pedro Neto, on the bench on Sunday, and also having the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson who can feature on the flanks.
Last season saw Sterling score eight goals and provide four assists across 31 Premier League appearances. It was not enough to earn a place in England's Euro 2024 squad as he drifted in and out of Mauricio Pochettino's side.
Nevertheless, being left out of Chelsea's matchday squad ahead of Enzo Maresca's first Premier League match came as a surprise for the former Liverpool star. Sterling is said to remain committed to the club.
A statement from Sterling’s camp said: " 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."
Sterling was not the only absence from the group as Ben Chilwell was also not present. Maresca noted earlier this week that it was better for the full back to depart Stamford Bridge.
Conor Gallagher is yet to work with the first team squad this summer and is primed for a move to Atletico Madrid, where Joao Felix could come in the opposite direction. The Portugal international spent time on loan at Chelsea in 2023 and could add more competition for Sterling.
Defender Trevoh Chalobah has also been chosed to train away from the first team as the club look to facilitate a move.
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