By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Raheem Sterling's representatives have expressed the need for "clarity" regarding the forward's future at Chelsea after he was excluded from the squad for the Premier League opener against Manchester City on Sunday.
In a statement, Sterling's camp mentioned that he maintains a "good working relationship" with Chelsea's new manager, Enzo Maresca, but there was an "expectation" that Sterling would be involved in the match at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea has invested around £185 million in 11 new signings this summer, leading to a squad of over 40 senior players for Maresca to manage.
The statement highlighted Sterling's commitment, noting that he returned to England two weeks ahead of schedule for individual training and has had a productive pre-season under Maresca. Sterling remains dedicated to performing at the highest level for Chelsea and its fans. His inclusion in the club’s pre-match promotions further fueled the expectation that he would feature in the weekend's game.
Sterling's representatives also emphasized their positive communication with Chelsea regarding his future and expressed their anticipation of receiving clarity on his role at the club.
In response to questions about Sterling's exclusion, Maresca explained to Sky Sports that the decision was purely technical, stating, "The manager has to make some decisions. Sometimes players don't like it, that's normal."
Since joining Chelsea from Manchester City for £50 million in July 2022, Sterling has made 81 appearances. He was among the first signings after the club's takeover by co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly. Chelsea has since spent around £1.5 billion on transfers, focusing on young players with high resale value.
