Chelsea score embarrassing own goal as Raheem Sterling is used to advertise new sponsor hours before squad axing

RAHEEM STERLING appeared in an advert for Chelsea’s latest sponsor – just hours before being dropped.

The England forward was stunned to learn he was not included in the squad to face Manchester City in the Blues’ Premier League opener.

Sterling’s camp released a statement saying he was expecting to be involved against the Citizens.

And just hours before the 2-0 defeat, Chelsea used Sterling in promotional material with new sleeve sponsor Fever.

According to the club’s statement, Fever “has become the world’s leading technology platform for entertainment discovery.”

Sterling, 29 was pictured alongside Enzo Fernandez and Millie Bright on the club’s website as the partnership was released at 9am on Sunday morning.

Hours later, it emerged he had been omitted from the match day squad to face Man City

Alan Shearer said that he understood why Sterling was confused after being told he should seek a new club.

He toldpodcast: “I’m told that he’s trained all pre-season and was told on Friday that he’s probably best off looking elsewhere for a club because they’ve brought other people in in that position.

“As hard as that is, and it will be for him because as far as I can remember he hasn’t been unprofessional at all at Chelsea.

“To have been told that on Friday, that would be pretty frustrating. Mark my words, this is not going to be the first case of player unrest at Chelsea.

“Enzo Maresca is going to have to deal with problems like this all season.”

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Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and new signing Pedro Neto were all selected for yesterday’s defeat.

And Sterling, who joined for £47million from City in 2022, and his team are now seeking reassurances from the club with regard to his future.

A statement read: “Raheem Sterling is contracted to Chelsea Football Club for the next three years.

“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.”