Rio Ferdinand held nothing back as he makes 'problem' claim about Raheem Sterling's situation at Chelsea

Rio Ferdinand has had his say on the Raheem Sterling situation at Chelsea.

Prior to the Blues’ 2-0 defeat against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon, it was confirmed that Sterling was left out of the squad by Enzo Maresca.

As a result, Sterling’s camp released a strong statement in a bid to seek clarity on his future at the club.

Since then, Sterling has been linked with a move away from Chelsea before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

On Monday morning, former Manchester United and England defender Ferdinand spoke about the Sterling situation, he said: “There’s nobody delivering that message with any clarity and what I’m hearing is he’s got no understanding of where his situation lies.

“He hasn’t had anyone in the hierarchy come to him and say listen ‘Right, you’re surplus to requirements, we want to get rid of you’. And what I’m hearing is that the actual last conversation that was had was like everything is fine.”

At this point, ex-City and England star Joleon Lescott said: “But with who?”

Ferdinand replied: “Not the manager.”

Lescott added: “That’s the thing. So Raheem, it’s like I don’t agree with it with anyone but someone of that stature in a Chelsea team, that is wild.”

Chelsea treatment of @sterling7 is WILD…. Creating issues in their own dressing room surely?!!! #FreeSterling#CFC pic.twitter.com/cKbLLPqzO8

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) August 19, 2024

Ferdinand then continued: “I see all the young players especially in that squad talk about Raheem, it’s like uncle Raheem, Cole Palmer it’s uncle Raheem and he’s looked after a lot of these boys, give them a lot of advice when they come to him.

“So when you kick that guy in the changing room, all of them are going to limp at some point and they ain’t going to take it well and you create a problem in your own dressing room.”

When asked about his decision to leave Sterling out, Maresca said: “It’s just a technical decision, nothing else to say.

“Managers are paid to make decisions and sometimes players don’t like it.”