Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has criticized Chelsea for their handling of Raheem Sterling, labeling the club’s treatment of the England forward as “wild.”
Sterling, who was surprisingly left out of Chelsea’s squad for their 2-0 Premier League defeat against Manchester City on Sunday, is reportedly no longer in the plans of Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
The forward has been deemed surplus to requirements this season following the signing of Pedro Neto.
However, Ferdinand expressed his displeasure with how the situation has been managed by Chelsea, suggesting a lack of clear communication with the player. Speaking on his show, Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former England defender highlighted the uncertainty Sterling faces at Stamford Bridge.
“There’s nobody delivering that message with any clarity, and from what I’m hearing he [Sterling] has got no understanding of where his situation lies,” Ferdinand said.
“He hasn’t had anyone in the hierarchy come to him and say, ‘Listen, you’re surplus to requirements, we want to get rid of you.’”
Ferdinand further revealed that Sterling’s last communication with the club indicated everything was fine, which contrasts sharply with the current situation.
“I’m hearing they are getting told [updates] by email and stuff like that. This is wild,” he added.