Chelsea fans must keep faith in 'big brother' Raheem Sterling, says Carney Chukwuemeka

England Under-21 international was decisive against Leicester and has urged fans to support his teammate
Nizaar Kinsella18 March 2024

Carney Chukwuemeka says his "big brother" Raheem Sterling can handle the boos from Chelsea fans.

But the 20-year-old midfielder has called for unity at Stamford Bridge after his crucial late goal in Sunday’s 4-2 FA Cup win against Leicester.

Sterling was jeered by Chelsea supporters when he was substituted after a poor display.

The £47.5million signing has apologised on Instagram for missing a penalty and vowed to “fight” and return “10 times stronger”.

Asked by Standard Sport whether Sterling can handle the criticism, Chukwuemeka said: “100 per cent, Raheem is an experienced player who has had an amazing career.

“We know what a great footballer he is. He has had goals, assists and won so many penalties this season. It happens at the end of the day, he is human and players miss chances.

“He had an off day and for sure we stick behind him. Let’s not forget, he got an assist for Cole’s goal.”

A host of Chelsea players also leaped to Sterling’s defence on social media, with Noni Madueke arguing with a supporter who criticised his team-mate.

Chukwuemeka explained Sterling does work behind the scenes that fans do not see, saying: “For us youngsters - especially for me, Noni and Cole - Raheem has helped us a lot since we came here.

“He is always on us showing what we can do well and what to improve on. He is always on us, inside and outside football, Raheem is a big part of what we do. He is like my big brother.”

Chukwuemeka joined Chelsea for £20million from Aston Villa in 2021, but grew up supporting the Blues.

He urged fans to show unity in the final matches of the season, as Chelsea bid to end a disappointing campaign by winning the FA Cup and qualifying for Europe.

“Everyone is only human, sometimes [as fans] you can’t control your emotions and stuff,” he said.

“[I would say] you just need to trust the process. The whole team, fans included and for sure, big things are coming.

“Stick with us through highs and lows. We are definitely on the rise now but it is not always going to be easy. But just stick with us and keep supporting us through it all and give us that twelfth man on the pitch.”

Chukwuemeka added: “Another semi-final, that’s two now for the season. We went into the season wanting to win trophies, wanting to get to finals, so this is a massive opportunity for us as a young squad, an opportunity for us to play at Wembley and hopefully get to the final.”

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