Legendary Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has criticised Chelsea for the way they have treated Raheem Sterling.
Sterling has been dropped from the squad and his number seven handed to new signing Pedro Neto.
Also, the former Manchester City winger has been told by new manager Enzo Maresca to look for a new club.
Chelsea have made new signings this summer in the wide positions and their squad is now filled with numerous options, which has made Sterling fall down further in the pecking order.
Maresca has made it clear that Sterling is not a part of his plans at the club and the former Manchester City player should look for a move away from the club if he wants playing time.
Ferdinand expressed his views on TNT Sports (via Daily Mail) in the build up to the Brighton vs Manchester United game, claiming that Chelsea have shown lack of respect to Sterling.
“I think that’s one of the biggest things. I think respect both ways, from the club’s point of view, but also the players.
‘“I think a lot was made of Raheem Sterling’s statement, but I think the noise is that I’m hearing that there was, there wasn’t any communication to him.
“And I think communication is probably one of the key words as well.
“If there’s no communication from above as to what your role is going to be, given that you’ve been probably playing most parts of the preseason games and all of a sudden, on the eve of kick off at a season, you’re not involved.
“You told your surplus to requirements, but the hierarchy aren’t communicating that, then you have to force the hand of the people in with the power to come and talk and get to the table.
“And I think that’s what Raheem Sterling, that was the point of his statement. Because I would have done that.
“Yeah, he was criticized. I would have done that. I would have, I would have forced the hand of the of the owners to say, Listen, you need to come and tell them what’s going on.”
