Raheem Sterling ‘granted LEAVE from Chelsea training after being frozen out by Enzo Maresca’ as winger sorts future
RAHEEM STERLING is training at home after being frozen out at Chelsea by Enzo Maresca.
The winger is set to leave the Blues this summer but has reportedly ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia.
Sterling was left out of the matchday squad for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Manchester City.
He has since been excluded from first-team training at the club’s Cobham training ground.
According to The Times, the 29-year-old is now training at home after a mutual agreement for him to leave Chelsea’s base.
Sterling is said to be keen to revive his international career by leaving Stamford Bridge.
He has 20 goals in 82 caps for England but has not appeared for the Three Lions since the 2022 World Cup.
Juventus have previously shown interest in signing Sterling, who has also been offered to Aston Villa.
However, the BBC also report he has ruled out a move to the Saudi Pro League as it stands.
New boss Maresca bluntly admitted this week that Sterling is not part of his plans after axing him against City.
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The forward had taken to social media after the snub to reveal he was “seeking clarity” and has also been left out of the squad for Thursday’s Conference League clash with Servette.
Sterling has lost his shirt number as his Chelsea exit edges closer, with Pedro Neto taking the number seven from him.
Raheem Sterling's statement
After he was left out of the Chelsea squad to face Manchester City, Raheem Sterling’s team released a statement.
The statement read: “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.”
He joined the club on a five-year deal from City in 2022 after seven years at the Etihad Stadium.
In the two seasons since, Sterling has scored 19 goals and provided 12 assists in 81 appearances.
Elsewhere, Ben Chilwell and Trevoh Chalobah also appear on their way out of Chelsea.
Chalobah has lost his squad number to new signing Joao Felix, whilst Chilwell has reportedly been offered to Manchester United.
Sterling's Chelsea stats
Appearances – 81
Goals – 19
Assists – 12
Minutes played – 5,339