Troy Deeney has claimed Raheem Sterling’s recent statement shows the Chelsea star ‘doesn’t care about his team-mates’.
And the former Watford skipper believes manager Enzo Maresca ‘will be fuming’ at having to answer questions on the winger as his time at Stamford Bridge draws to a close.
Sterling was signed from Manchester City two years ago but has failed to live up to expectations during his time in west London.
Maresca confirmed on Wednesday that the 29-year-old was surplus to requirements, with the Italian saying he preferred ‘other types’ of wide players.
Raheem Sterling looks set to leave Chelsea before the end of the summer transfer window
PA
Sterling was left out of the Chelsea squad on Sunday as they lost 2-0 to City in their first league game of the season.
His camp then released a statement demanding ‘clarity’ on his situation amid links to West Ham, Juventus and Fenerbahce.
And Deeney, speaking to William Hill, has now condemned Sterling and suggested the actions of his camp show the forward ‘doesn’t care’ about his fellow players.
“Sterling’s statement says to me that he doesn’t care about his teammates,” he said.
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“Looking at it from a players’ point of view and as a former captain, he’s made that noise an hour before the game and he’s done it to look after himself.
“Enzo Maresca will be fuming that the questions he’s being asked aren’t about the new season or optimism, but about this situation instead.
“In Sterling’s position, of course I would have been fuming, but I wouldn’t have put a press release out. Never.
“At that point you have to swallow your pride and be with your team.
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“Everyone can see that you’re fuming and the steam is coming out of your ears, but you deal with it afterwards.
“If it was up to me, he wouldn’t be able to come and train with us until the situation is resolved.”
Graeme Souness also provided his verdict on Sterling.
He can’t see the winger moving to another English team, despite rumours West Ham are circling.
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Troy Deeney has blasted Raheem Sterling as the winger prepares to leave Chelsea
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And the Liverpool icon instead believes that Saudi Arabia is a far likelier destination.
“Raheem Sterling’s future lies in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“He’ll go there for two reasons, one of those being the kind of money he’ll get there. I don’t think any team in this country will match that.
“I also don’t think any of the big Premier League teams would want to sign him, he’d price himself out of the market.
Raheem Sterling’s Chelsea statement will have Enzo Maresca ‘fuming’ according to Troy Deeney
PA
“The major problem for Chelsea with this business model is that when they want to get players out the door, they have to take a real hit on their value.
“They paid nearly £50million for Sterling and they’ll get next to nothing for him. Then the buying team will ask Chelsea to contribute to his wages.”
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