Former England captain Alan Shearer has slammed Chelsea’s treatment of Raheem Sterling, labeling it “very disrespectful”. Sterling was informed by manager Enzo Maresca just two days before the season began that he should consider his options for a move.

Sterling has since been training with a group of 13 outcasts away from the first team, and Shearer believes this is a warning to future signings at Stamford Bridge.

“I’m not a fan of what’s happened to Raheem Sterling, I think it’s very disrespectful,” Shearer said. “He may not have had a great season last season, which is fine, but there’s still a way to treat people and understand players’ needs. There’s a way to sell players.”

Alan Shearer has slammed Chelsea for their ‘very disrespectful’ treatment of Raheem Sterling

Shearer cited the Conor Gallagher situation, where he was told to leave on the plane to go to Atletico, only for the deal to fall through, as another example of Chelsea’s questionable treatment of players.

“It’s just bizarre what’s going on at Chelsea,” Shearer added. “You’ve got to try and accept it because you know going into it, that is what you are facing.”

Sterling is training away from the first team and has been advised to leave by Enzo Maresca

Sterling’s camp has since released a statement saying he is “seeking clarity” over his future, with Crystal Palace and Aston Villa among the possible exit routes for the 29-year-old.

Mail Sport exclusively revealed a statement from Sterling’s camp that he was ‘seeking clarity’

Maresca has been accused of being callous in his treatment of Sterling, but he countered: “Brutal? I don’t think so. I try to be honest. I can repeat again if it’s not clear: I spoke with Raheem before the (Manchester) City game. I said he is going to struggle to get minutes with us.”

Sterling is contracted until 2027 and quizzed on these long deals posing him problems, Maresca said: “This is not my problem. I am here to make decisions and decide what the best is for the team. I am not here to talk about how many years contract. It’s not my job.”

He recorded his first competitive win as Chelsea boss with a 2-0 win over Servette on Thursday