Sterling's time at Chelsea was not fruitful but he still has time to revive career

Raheem Sterling's three-and-a-half-year tenure at Chelsea has been a stark reminder that even the most touted stars can lose their way when given the green light to shine. The once-expected marquee signing, touted for his ability to terrorize defenders in the Premier League final third, found himself relegated to the fringes of Thomas Tuchel's team, forced out by Graham Potter, and eventually, sent packing.

While Sterling's bank account may have benefited from his time at Stamford Bridge – a reported £325,000-a-week contract that's now coming to an end – the costs have been substantial. On the pitch, he struggled for form and fitness, particularly in the second half of the 2022-23 season, when Chelsea began to shift its transfer policy under new ownership.

The arrival of Graham Potter as Tuchel's replacement signalled a change in direction, with Boehly's influence waning and Behdad Eghbali taking on more control. The focus turned to signing young talent on incentivized deals, leaving Sterling out of the picture. Despite enjoying a brief resurgence under Mauricio Pochettino, which saw him score just 19 goals for the club, his inconsistent form meant he was never truly welcome back into the fold.

Now that Sterling is a free agent, there's no clear path forward. His playing time dwindled to almost zero in the final stages of the season, with Enzo Maresca leaving him out of the starting lineup. The question on everyone's lips is what happened to the player who burst onto the scene with Manchester City, winning four Premier League titles and scoring crucial goals.

In reality, Sterling has been struggling for some time now – a problem compounded by his age, having turned 31 this year. His international career hasn't been faring much better either, having not added to his England caps since the quarter-final defeat at the hands of France in the 2022 World Cup.

The truth is that Sterling has lost a yard or two of pace over the past few seasons, and clubs looking to sign him have been hesitant. While he's still got some tricks up his sleeve, it's hard to shake the feeling that his best days are behind him.

Sterling may be too young to hang up his boots just yet, but for now, he needs a fresh start – one where he can rediscover himself and prove that he's more than just a legacy of past glories. With his family firmly back in London, Sterling has some tough decisions ahead, but it's time to put the past behind him and aim for a brighter future.

I feel like Chelsea was too hasty in letting go of Sterling... he had moments where he shone, but also had some rough patches . His age is definitely a factor, but it's not just about pace - he's still got skill and know-how. I think he needs a team that'll give him the freedom to express himself again . He can't keep playing like that if he wants to stay relevant... 31 isn't old, by the way

I feel bad for Raheem Sterling, you know? He used to be this amazing player, dominating on the pitch and helping his team win titles . But now, he just doesn't seem like himself anymore. Like, what happened to that magic? It's not like he's getting any younger or anything . And yeah, I get it, clubs are hesitant to sign him because of his past form... but you'd think with a £325k/week contract, he could've done more to stay on top . Still, he's got this chance to prove himself again and start fresh... wish him all the best!

I think Raheem Sterling's Chelsea stint was an example of how even the best players can struggle when given the spotlight too much . He went from being one of the top dogs in the league to being relegated to the bench, and it's hard to blame him for feeling frustrated. The big money deal wasn't enough to keep him motivated, and I think it's fair to say that his age is starting to catch up with him .

I also wonder if Sterling will ever find a team where he can be part of a more balanced system. At Chelsea, it seemed like they were always chasing the dream of winning something big, and that put a lot of pressure on individual players. Maybe now that he's a free agent, he'll get a chance to play for a team that's more focused on development and growth, rather than just glory hunts .

It's not all doom and gloom for Sterling, though – he still has some great skills and experience under his belt. But yeah, I think he needs a fresh start, and soon ️.

Sterling's situation is pretty sad, you feel me? He used to be that player who everyone looked up to, scoring those big goals and winning titles, but now he's just not having it anymore. The pace has gone off him and he can't hold a consistent spot in the team. I think it's time for him to take a step back and re-evaluate his game, maybe try some new training methods or sports science stuff to get himself back up to speed. And honestly, 31 is no joke! He needs to prioritize his health and well-being, not just his playing career. Maybe this fresh start he's looking for could be a chance to focus on mental wellness too?

I think Raheem Sterling got a raw deal from Chelsea . He was brought in as this superstar signing but struggled to find his form. I mean, 31 is getting on a bit for a footballer, especially when you're not scoring as many goals as he used to. The problem is, it's hard to get back up to that level, especially when the competition is so fierce now. He needs a change of scenery and maybe someone who can give him a fresh start . Can't imagine what must be going through his head right now, weighing up his options...

omg u guys i think sterling got what was coming 2 him he had 3yrs @ chelsea & didnt deliver he used 2 b so hyped but now hes just like any other player trying 2 make a comeback its hard 2 see how he's gonna bounce back from this but idk maybe he jus needs 2 take a step back, focus on his fam & fitness & get back out there

I mean, I feel bad for Raheem Sterling cuz he was really hyped to come to Chelsea but it didn't work out . He's still a super talented player but like 31 is old in football years . I remember when he played for Manchester City and won all those Prem titles, he was on fire ! But now he's struggling to keep up with the pace... or should I say, lose some yard of pace . It's time for him to get a new start and prove himself again . Maybe he can go back to his roots at QPR or something

i feel bad for sterner, u no? he used 2 be so dominant on the pitch but now hes strugglin 2 keep up. its like when u get older n ur body starts 2 ache more often . his time at chelsea didnt work out & now hes a free agent tryin 2 find a new club. its hard 2 believe its come 2 dis, 'cause we all know about his past successes w/ man city. but honestly, u gotta face the music & realize that times change . hes still got skills but maybe its time 4 him 2 take a step back, recharge, n try 2 find a new pace in life

so I was watching the game last season and Raheem Sterling just didn't look right he was always being benched or forced out of the team and you can't help but wonder what happened he was supposed to be this superstar striker, but it seems like he's lost a step. 31 is old for an athlete, especially one who used to dominate games like Sterling did. now he needs a new start somewhere with fresh competition and a chance to prove himself all over again

I feel bad for Raheem Sterling, mate . He had such high expectations when he joined Chelsea, and now it seems like his best days are behind him. I mean, who can forget that incredible goal-scoring form with Manchester City? But, to be honest, I think age is catching up with him - 31 isn't getting any younger!

I remember when players like Thierry Henry and Ashley Cole were struggling in their mid-to-late 30s. It's just the way it goes, you know? You can't stay on top forever. What's important now is that Sterling finds a new team and gets to play regularly again. He needs to prove to himself that he still has what it takes .

I'm not sure if he'll find another big club willing to take him back in, but I hope he doesn't lose his pride about it. A fresh start somewhere might be just what the doctor ordered for him and his family. Fingers crossed, mate!

I gotta say, I'm shocked Raheem Sterling lasted as long as he did at Chelsea . £325k/week is insane, but if the form ain't there, you're done . It's crazy how quickly things changed under Potter - went from being a key player to barely getting minutes . You can't deny it, Sterling's had some ups and downs over the years (31 and still playing? that's ancient in football terms ). I'm not saying he's done for yet, but if he wants to make a comeback, he needs to prove himself all over again . Maybe a fresh start in another league or country is what he needs . What do you think, should Sterling take one last shot at it?

he's had some decent moments but consistency is key it's hard to see him holding onto a spot on any top team given his age and decline in form maybe a change of scenery or a new challenge would be what he needs to get back to that level

idk how many times i had to scroll back on my browser lol i feel bad for sterling though he was always hyped up at chelsea and then just kinda phased out they should've given him more time to adjust with potter's system maybe it's time for him to take a break or somethin'

Sterling needs a total reset He had this huge contract at Chelsea that was basically guaranteed games, but he just couldn't get his form together . The thing is, he's not even 32 yet, so yeah, he can still turn it around, but right now, he's gotta prove to himself that he's more than just a player with a history . I mean, we all know he won loads of titles at City and was a top scorer, but that was years ago . He needs to find his mojo again and show the world what he's got .

Sterling just got played by Chelsea . He was all about the money, but that didn't translate to success on the pitch. His age is definitely catching up with him and he can't seem to recapture that magic from his Man City days. He needs a change of scenery and a new coach who believes in him. Can't blame him for wanting a fresh start, though . Maybe this is his chance to prove himself again and show everyone what he's still capable of

I think Raheem Sterling is still got a lot left in the tank! 31 and struggling with pace? Please, that's just part of the game! He's had an incredible career so far and I'm sure he'll bounce back from this. All these rumors about him being done are just the media hyping up his departure from Chelsea. Let's not forget, he's a world-class player who's won titles with Manchester City - what's a few years of inconsistency? He needs a change of scenery, not a full retirement! Sterling will find a new team where he can shine again and prove all the haters wrong

I'm not buying into all this hype around Raheem Sterling's "legendary" status anymore . He was given a free pass at Chelsea with that crazy £325k/week contract and what did we see? A faded superstar who couldn't even find his way back into the starting lineup after that one brief resurgence under Pochettino . And don't even get me started on how he's tanked for England in recent years... 31 and still struggling to keep up? No thanks . I think it's time for him to face reality and realize his best days are indeed behind him .

I feel like Raheem Sterling got what was coming to him at Chelsea. He was always hyped up as this superstar player but he couldn't deliver on the pitch... 325k a week is a lot, I get that, but he needs to step up his game if he wants to stay relevant and honestly I think clubs are starting to see him for who he really is now. Not saying he's not still a good player, but...

He's such an talented player ... I think Raheem Sterling needs a change of scenery, ya know? He was on fire at City, won so many trophies , but since he joined Chelsea, it's been like he's lost his mojo . Age is catchin' up with him, too - 31 and not as spry as he used to be . I hope he finds a team that'll give him the freedom to shine again . He can't just rely on past glories, gotta keep pushin' himself . Maybe a move to a smaller club or somethin'? That way, he can get back to basics and rediscover his form . Either way, I got faith in Raheem - he'll come out of this season even stronger !