The drama surrounding Raheem Sterling’s future at Chelsea has intensified after the club stripped him of the No. 7 shirt.
Sterling has been informed, both privately and publicly by manager Enzo Maresca, that he is no longer part of the plans at Stamford Bridge. The England international is among several players who have been excluded from first-team training.
In addition to Sterling, vice-captain Ben Chilwell has been told to find a new club, while players like Trevoh Chalobah have known throughout the summer that they are not in the new manager’s plans.
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Sterling’s agents previously issued a statement requesting “clarity” on his future after he was unexpectedly left out of the matchday squad for the game against Manchester City last Sunday.
In a remarkable press conference on Wednesday, Maresca provided that clarity, telling reporters: “I spoke with Raheem before the Man City game. I told him he’s going to struggle to get minutes with us, and this is the reason.
“I’m not saying Raheem isn’t a good player, but I prefer different kinds of wingers, and that’s why.
“It’s not a comfortable situation. I understand how he feels, but it’s important to know that if you stay, you’re going to struggle for minutes.”