While last weekend saw Enzo Maresca make his Premier League managerial debut as the boss of Chelsea, the main talking point was about a player who wasn’t even involved.
Raheem Sterling was dropped from the matchday squad, with it emerging that Maresca had told him he will struggle for minutes this season.
Sterling’s camp put out a statement seeking clarity over his position, with them being under the impression that he would be involved in some capacity for the season opener.
The likes of Jamie Carragher have criticised the player for his decision to make a scene of things, with it no doubt taking some of the focus over what was happening on the pitch at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
It has frequently been claimed that the decision makers in West London have been keen for the England international to be moved on this summer, however his wages do seem to have gotten in the way of that.
Raheem Sterling wants to leave Chelsea
However, The Athletic have now stated the Sterling himself has expressed a desire to leave the club on a permanent basis this summer.
A number of clubs in world football have been linked with the addition of the winger, and now he actively wants to leave he may be willing to drop his wage demands in order to guarantee himself more first team football.
Chelsea sign Joao Felix
It remains to be seen if he is still looking to compete at the top level of European football, or if he would accept what would almost certainly be a very lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
The Blues look pretty stacked for options in attack going into the new season, with them today announcing the new signing of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.
He is expected to instantly be competing for minutes at Stamford Bridge, as well as big-money addition Pedro Neto, who made his debut in the 2-0 defeat on Sunday.
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