Raheem Sterling's Chelsea exit promise sums up his true thoughts as he's frozen out

Raheem Sterling once promised to retire if he ever stopped enjoying football – but he's clearly still got plenty of love left for the game.

The forward has found himself frozen out by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca since returning from his loan stint at Arsenal. Former England star Sterling made a late switch to the Gunners ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, after Maresca informed him that he wouldn't be getting any game time that season.

The 30-year-old's displays in north London were far from impressive, netting just once in 28 appearances before heading back to his parent club in the summer. However, Maresca has made it clear that there's no room for Sterling in his squad and has excluded him from Chelsea's first team training sessions.

The four-time Premier League champion has been forced to train separately, alongside team-mate Axel Disasi, who Chelsea are also keen to offload. The Mirror reported on Thursday that Sterling is now receiving backing from the Professional Footballers' Association - the union representing current and former Premier League footballers.

The PFA has reached out to Chelsea to ensure both Sterling and Frenchman Disasi can still train to remain at the top level, and that the west London side are not breaking any rules.

Sterling, who still has two years remaining on his £325,000-per-week contract, has remained professional throughout this challenging period, but shared a photo this week of himself having to train at night as part of Chelsea's out-of-favour players.

The PFA want to ensure no “abusive behaviour” is taken against the players to force them out. FIFA regulations mean that forcing a player to train by himself can constitute “abusive conduct”, which could allow the player to terminate his own contract with “just cause".

But Sterling is unlikely to terminate his contract due to the substantial money he is owed. Disasi's deal runs until 2029 and neither he nor Sterling are expected to receive any first team opportunities until the transfer window reopens in January. The PFA has been approached for comment.

Sterling made it clear he wanted to leave in the summer, but a move to Fulham failed to materialise. For the time being, it seems he remains eager to continue playing football his love for the game remains strong, despite his current situation. However, it remains to be seen what course of action the former Manchester City and Liverpool man pursues next.

He stated back in November 2023, during his second campaign with the Blues, that he would hang up his boots once he no longer enjoyed playing football, likening himself to Eden Hazard. Hazard called time on his playing career after losing his love for the beautiful game during his last season with Real Madrid, despite having a number of offers to join other clubs.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Sterling expressed sympathy for Hazard and revealed he would take similar action in the same position. The then-28-year-old winger said: "I'm like Hazard as well.

"In terms of once that moment comes that I’m not enjoying football, I feel like that's the moment. You don't want to hate something that gave you so much love. I think you play football until you don't enjoy it anymore."

Sterling scored 19 goals for Chelsea in 81 appearances but has not played for the side since the 2023/24 season.

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