Hope for Raheem Sterling? Chelsea legend sends Enzo Maresca message on Blues outcast

Despite interest from Fulham, among others, Sterling ended up staying at Chelsea when the transfer window shut, and now he is set for a season on the sidelines. But ex-Blues winger Malouda feels that the 30-year-old may still have a part to play in Enzo Maresca's team going forward.

He told Boyle Sports: "The first thing about Raheem Sterling is that he earned this contract through his performances. So I believe at this moment, he is not part of the plan, but he's still a good player.  We will mention injuries; it's not like there was an issue where you'd say: ‘OK, let's cross this player. We don't want him anymore'. I don't like the topic of his wages or the money involved. He earned his contract, and everybody was fine with it. Now it's more about how, as a club, you consider your players and how you bring them back to full confidence. I'm sure Raheem Sterling, in full confidence, without injury problems, terminating his contract wouldn’t be an option. The perspective must change. That comes with conversations, honest conversations, because you need players like him, but at his best level. While he's still a Chelsea player, we should do everything as a club for him to feel at home. I think that's the best way to get the best out of a player like Sterling."

Sterling is said to be on wages in excess of £300,000 a week and the England international still has two years left to run on his contract. A January transfer move makes sense but the ex-Manchester City man may have to lower his salary demands. Ultimately, the winger's career is seemingly taking a turn for the worse.

Former Liverpool ace Sterling, who had an underwhelming loan stint at Arsenal last season, will continue to train but not with Chelsea's first-team squad. Maresca's side return to Premier League action on Saturday away at Brentford.