Sterling reportedly had offers from Champions League clubs Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen but he rejected them to play for a club in London and remain close to his family. Like Sterling, French defender Axel Disasi also failed to secure a move away from the Blues while the transfer market was still open.
Chelsea boss Maresca has admitted that he has not seen the out-of-favour stars since the start of the new season, as they have been training away from the first-team squad and are even using separate facilities like dressing rooms and gym.
Speaking to reporters, the Italian coach said: “They are Chelsea players, but at the moment they are training separately and the plan is to continue in this way. Since the season started, I haven’t seen either of them. I haven’t seen Axel or Raheem. They train at a different time and on a different pitch. I haven’t seen them since the start of the season.”
The Blues will be back in action in the Premier League on Saturday as they travel to Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford. Maresca will hope his side can continue their unbeaten start.
