Raheem Sterling’s representatives have asked for “clarity on the situation” after the former England forward was left out of his side’s squad for their Premier League 2024-25 opener at home to Manchester City.
In a statement, Sterling was said to have had an “expectation” of being involved after what he believed was a “positive” pre-season in which he built a “good working relationship” with new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
“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,” the announcement said, adding that Sterling “returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training”.
“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.”
Your first Chelsea XI for 24/25. 💙#CFC | #CHEMCI pic.twitter.com/4ap2nzIa9W
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 18, 2024
Raheem Sterling reaction ‘normal’
Maresca, who has a huge squad after spending £185 million on 11 new signings, called Sterling’s omission “just a technical decision – no more than that.”
“The manager has to make some decisions,” Maresca told Sky Sports. “Sometimes players don’t like it. That’s normal.”
Sterling has played 81 times for Chelsea, including 10 goals and eight assists across 43 appearances in all competitions in 2022-23.
The 29-year-old, who joined the club from City for £50m in July 2022, started Chelsea’s final match of their pre-season US tour against Real Madrid and was used as a substitute in their closing warm-up game at home to Inter Milan.
Statement from Raheem Sterling’s camp… #CFC pic.twitter.com/t8WHk6yPK4
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) August 18, 2024
Sterling: Chelsea ‘determined’
Speaking four days before the game, Sterling spoke of his desire to help Chelsea claim silverware for the first time since he joined them.
“There are times when you win every year and times when you don’t win trophies,” Sterling told Chelsea’s website.
“This football club, more than not, has been winning trophies. Those are the standards of Chelsea Football Club.
“We as a group are really determined to get back to those winning ways, and getting that exciting feeling of challenging for stuff and winning stuff back for the fans.”
