Former Chelsea star, Florent Malouda has warned the Blues against terminating winger Raheem Sterling’s contract.
The Frenchman, instead, wants Chelsea to talk with Sterling to earn his place in manager Enzo Maresca’s squad this season.
Malouda believes the England international can be useful for Maresca’s side this season due to his experience in the Premier League.
Recall that Chelsea loaned Sterling to Arsenal last season, but the former Manchester City and Liverpool player failed to impress at the Gunners.
As a result, Arsenal refused to sign him on a permanent transfer and send him back to Chelsea.
Sterling is not part of Maresca’s plans at Stamford Bridge this season, but Malouda feels terminating the 30-year-old contract should not be an option for Chelsea to consider because of his high wages.
Speaking to Boyle Sports, Malouda said: “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 is 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.”