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Soccer

Retired Chelsea star advises current players to leave the club

Retired Chelsea star advises current players to leave the clubGetty Images

Emmanuel Petit doesn't have much hope for Chelsea in the short term, and he thinks any current player at the club would be wise to leave Stamford Bridge.

Petit's comments come amid an ongoing saga involving Raheem Sterling, who has been frozen out of the first team to start the season. Sterling's situation was made worse by a public statement released by his representatives on the eve of the Blues' season-opening loss to Manchester City, leaving manager Enzo Maresca to defend a decision that some believe wasn't fully his.

With Chelsea's transfer policy under owner Todd Boehly favouring long-term deals given to many young, promising players, Sterling's days at Stamford Bridge seem numbered.

For Petit, the entire situation is untenable and puts Maresca in an unenviable position. Speaking to Safest Casino Sites, the retired Chelsea player explained why Sterling and the recently transferred Conor Gallagher are examples of why any current player should keep their options open.

"If you're Sterling or any Chelsea player and have the chance to leave the club, I would take it," Petit said. "Honestly, I don't see how Enzo Maresca can rescue this, he's not a magician. You could put Pep Guardiola or Jurgen Klopp in charge of the team and it will still take months to find a first XI and make everyone happy in the squad. They're all young players signing huge contracts for eight to nine years. 

"Look at Conor Gallagher, he's another example. Where is he? At the airport? I have no idea. It's a pity because he's a very good player. 

"I was not surprised by the result against Manchester City on Sunday, how can you build a team spirit between players when you put too much competition for positions in the first XI? It's nonsense, there's no confidence in the players.

"We've seen this for a couple of years now and it doesn't look like anything will change."

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