Raheem Sterling's representatives respond after winger left out of Chelsea squad to face Man City
- Raheem Sterling surprisingly dropped from Chelsea squad for Premier League opener
- Winger linked with summer exit after Pedro Neto's arrival
- 29-year-old's camp released statement after omission
By Tom Gott
Raheem Sterling's representatives have confessed they were surprised to see the winger left out of the Chelsea squad to face Manchester City on Sunday.
The Blues published an interview with Sterling in the build-up to the game in which the 29-year-old discussed the importance of his experience on the young Chelsea squad, but just days later, he was surprisingly left out of Enzo Maresca's squad.
Sterling's future at the club has been the subject of speculation following the recent acquisition of Pedro Neto from Wolves. He is the club's highest owner at over £300,000 per week, but Chelsea are looking to reduce their wage budget. Reports have linked Juventus with a move for Sterling.
Contacted for comment after Sterling's matchday snub, the winger's camp told the Daily Mail: "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."
Sterling was the first major signing of the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital era at Chelsea, joining from Sunday's opponents City in a deal worth around £50m.
He is yet to live up to expectations, however, scoring 19 goals and adding 12 assists in 81 appearances so far in his Chelsea career.
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