Jamie Carragher vents at ex-Liverpool ace Sterling over Chelsea statement

Jamie Carragher has hit out over ex-Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling seeking clarification from Chelsea as he faces an uncertain future.

The 29-year-old was a surprise omission from the Blues' matchday squad for their Premier League opener against Manchester City on Sunday afternoon, ultimately paying the price for another summer of huge transfer activity at Stamford Bridge.

Already in competition with Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk to start on the flanks, Sterling's task was made even more difficult following the purchase of Pedro Neto from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Nevertheless, the winger was expecting to be part of new Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca's plans for the clash against the Premier League champions. As a result, the exclusion came as a shock to Sterling and therefore his camp have issued a statement seeking answers.

➡️ READ MORE: LIVERPOOL STAR CONSIDERS HIS FUTURE

Carragher blasts Sterling statement

"Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years," the statement reads. "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."

Since leaving Anfield almost a decade ago for a reported £50m fee, Sterling enjoyed great success with Man City as he's a four-time Premier League winner, five-time League cup champion and has an FA Cup winner's medal on his résumé.

However, he's struggled for consistency since joining Chelsea, even missing out on England's Euro 2024 squad in the summer and Carragher believes the 29-year-old should focus on improving on the pitch rather than issuing statements.

"Massive fan of Raheem as a player & a lad," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Not a fan of the Chelsea set up with owners etc. But this statement is ridiculous! As a camp………..! We look forward to gaining clarity…….!!

"No need for a statement, especially an hour before kick off!! Just play better."