Raheem Sterling decides stance on quitting Chelsea after Stamford Bridge boos

Raheem Sterling is expected to remain a Chelsea player after the summer transfer window, despite reported interest from Saudi Arabia. The England ace is said to be a target for clubs in the Saudi Pro League, but a move to the Middle East isn’t believed to be appealing to Sterling, who would prefer to stick around at Stamford Bridge instead.

Sterling had been handed a starting berth by boss Mauricio Pochettino for the FA Cup quarter-final against Leicester City, but the ex-Manchester City man endured a torrid showing. Eventually dragged off the pitch late into the second half, some boos could be heard ringing around Stamford Bridge, as a collection of Chelsea fans voiced their anger towards Sterling's poor performance. 

As a result of the backlash, there had been chatter about Sterling leaving the club in the summer, but such rumours have since been shut down. That’s according to The Evening Standard, who claim the winger isn’t angling for a move away from Chelsea this summer, amid talk of a potential switch to Saudi Arabia.

Of course, that would depend on Chelsea themselves, but given Sterling has over two years left on his £300,000-per-week contract, it’s unlikely the west London outfit would let him leave on the cheap. Instead, Sterling looks set to stay at the two-time European champions, where it’s said he’s determined to prove the doubters wrong and win trophies with Chelsea.

He could get a chance to do just that this season, with Chelsea through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup. But, it was the quarter-final showing against Leicester that sparked criticism towards Sterling from the Chelsea supporters, after the 29-year-old missed a number of key chances, including a first-half penalty.

Chelsea players were quick to rally around the 82-cap England international though, with compatriots Cole Palmer, Ben Chilwell and Reece James among those showing public support. But the ordeal comes at a difficult time in Sterling’s career, as it looks as if he’s set to miss out on a spot in Gareth Southgate’s side for the upcoming European Championships.

Sterling was once again left out of the England squad for the March internationals, and given his performances in a blue shirt for Chelsea, it’s unlikely he’ll force his way back into the team before the summer. If that proves to be the case and Sterling isn’t involved, it will be the first tournament England have played without Sterling since the European Championships in 2012.