Jose Mourinho signing reveals reason why Chelsea star has flopped since £45m switch

John Obi Mikel believes Raheem Sterling has struggled to cope with England rejection this season.

Despite Chelsea’s failures, the winger had enjoyed a stellar start to the campaign under Mauricio Pochettino. There were suggestions that Sterling could earn a recall to the international setup.

The 29-year-old has not featured since the World Cup and the slot on the left flank for the Three Lions is up for grabs. But the call never came - and Sterling’s form stuttered.

He endured a frustrating afternoon in the Carabao Cup final, barely making an impact against opposing number Conor Bradley. Sterling did find the net in the first half but the goal was controversially ruled out for offside.

Speaking to the Obi One podcast, the former Blues midfielder took aim at the winger’s form. He also flirted with the idea of Sterling being sold in the summer.

“I think he’s miles off it, to be honest,’ Obi Mikel said. “He’s not the player that we saw at Manchester City or the player that we were used to watching (with) a low centre of gravity.

“A player a bit like (Eden) Hazard. Very fast, very quick, can go past players easily, very good technically on the ball. I think he actually started the season really well.

“He was creating chances, he was taking people on and he became the Raheem Sterling we know from before. But then I think he did all that because he wanted to get into the England team.

"I think the first call-up that came during the start of the season his name wasn’t there and that took a lot of his confidence, I would say. After that he just went, his head just went,’ Mikel added.

“Since then, I haven’t seen the Raheem Sterling that started the season. He’s been a shadow of himself. I think he still has a lot to offer. Is it at Chelsea or is it somewhere else? That we have to decide at the end of the season.”