The fallout from Chelsea’s treatment of Raheem Sterling has intensified, with Troy Deeney expressing his frustration at the England international’s situation and Enzo Maresca reaffirming that the winger has no role in his plans.
Sterling, alongside Axel Disasi, has been exiled from first-team training this season and forced to work separately from Maresca’s squad. Both players have been deemed surplus to requirements, despite Sterling’s £47.5m transfer fee in 2022 and his current £325,000-per-week contract.
Deeney: “Sterling can’t complain”
The situation has drawn scrutiny after Sterling posted a picture of himself heading out to train at 8pm, sparking criticism and prompting the PFA to review the case. Speaking on talkSPORT, former Watford captain Deeney said he was tired of sympathy being directed toward Sterling.
“My only frustration and concern at this whole thing is when we start feeling sorry for players who just had an opportunity to leave,” Deeney explained.
“The problem I have is, did any of us think Raheem Sterling was still going to be at Chelsea this year? So now you can’t complain. We knew this in April time. All you have to do in that time period is talk about the compensation. It’s on both of them. Chelsea don’t want to do it.”
Deeney admitted he would have taken a pay cut to secure a move away, but Sterling chose not to. Reports suggested interest from Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Fulham, yet no deal materialised before the summer window closed.
Maresca: “They have the opportunity to work”
Maresca, meanwhile, stood firm when asked about Sterling and Disasi ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Manchester United. The Italian manager dismissed claims of mistreatment and emphasised that the club is fulfilling its duty.
“I’ve been in Raheem’s situation and Axel’s situation as a player. I know it is not the best feeling. You want to play games, but for different reasons, the situation is the way it is at the moment,” Maresca said.
“The club is giving them the opportunity to work in the right way. That’s all I can say.”
The Chelsea boss also reiterated his recent comments comparing the lives of footballers to his father’s years of gruelling work as a fisherman. “My father is 75 years old and for 50 years, he’s been a fisherman, working from 2 o’clock in the morning to 10 o’clock. This is a hard life. Not for players.”
“The problem I have is, did any of us think Raheem Sterling was still going to be at Chelsea this year? So now you can’t complain.” — Troy Deeney
Analyst verdict: both sides face scrutiny
FootballPlace analyst John William believes the row highlights issues on both sides:
“Deeney is right to point out that Sterling had options to leave and chose to stay, which makes the current outcry complicated. At the same time, Chelsea’s stance risks reputational damage, especially with FIFA monitoring cases of squad exclusion. Ultimately, Maresca has made his decision clear — Sterling and Disasi will not play. The big question is whether Chelsea can find a resolution in January to avoid this dragging on further.”
Key insights
- Troy Deeney frustrated by sympathy shown to Sterling, says he “can’t complain.”
- Sterling rejected summer moves despite interest from Palace, West Ham and Fulham.
- Enzo Maresca insists Chelsea are giving Sterling and Disasi the “opportunity to work.”
- PFA reviewing Chelsea’s handling of the players’ exile.
- Maresca repeated his stance that footballers’ lives are not “hard” compared to real jobs.
What’s next for Sterling and Chelsea?
Sterling remains under contract until 2027 and, unless a January transfer emerges, faces the prospect of months training away from Chelsea’s main group. Disasi, contracted until 2029, is in the same position.
For Maresca, the focus is on Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures, but off-field distractions like this risk undermining his tenure. The January window could prove pivotal for all parties, with the expectation that Sterling’s future will finally be resolved.
👉 Should Raheem Sterling have accepted a move away from Chelsea in the summer — or is he right to stand firm on his contract?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 19 Sep 2025 20:45
325k! He earns a lot and chose not to leave Chelsea, so stop complaining.
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