Ex-Chelsea forward Chris Sutton has defended Enzo Maresca’s handling of Raheem Sterling at Chelsea who moved to Arsenal on deadline day.
Sterling was forced out by Maresca who told the winger to seek a move elsewhere as he wasn’t in his plans, Sterling found interest from Mikel Arteta and has made a loan move to the Emirates.
There was interest from Manchester United in the 29-year-old, but instead, he joined Mikel Arteta who helped coach Sterling during his time at Manchester City.
There has been much criticism for how Enzo Maresca dealt with the Sterling situation, but ex-Chelsea striker Chris Sutton believes he did the right thing.
He told CasinoApps.com: “Raheem Sterling clearly wasn’t wanted at Chelsea, but I don’t have a problem with the manager not wanting him. The manager has gone into a position where the squad is bloated and top-heavy with players.
“The great debate is whether these decisions to move players on are coming from the owners or if they are down to the manager. We don’t know the answer to that.
“People are saying that Raheem Sterling played in most of the pre-season games, that means Maresca must have liked him. He might have played in those pre-season games and Maresca may not have liked what he saw from him.”
Sutton backs Sterling to perform at Arsenal
The connection between Mikel Arteta and Sterling is likely the reason why the 29-year-old chose a move to Arsenal. It could benefit both sides and could bring the winger close to his best once more.
Sutton added: “I think going to Arsenal is a good move for Raheem Sterling. He has that connection with Arteta. I think it’s a really interesting piece of business, a smart piece of business.
“If Mikel Arteta can get him anywhere near the level he showed at Manchester City, then it’s going to be a brilliant piece of business by Arsenal.
“Could Raheem Sterling be the difference maker in terms of Arsenal making that next step and trying to finish above Manchester City? We’ll have to wait and see.”