Chelsea ace Noni Madueke blasts 'harsh and unfair' Raheem Sterling critics

Chelsea winger Noni Madueke says he is upset by the criticism directed towards teammate Raheem Sterling in recent weeks, which included boos being aimed at him during the club’s FA Cup win over Leicester City.

The England international — who looks set to miss out on Euro 2024 selection — missed a penalty and ballooned over a free-kick during the 4-2 victory, the latter of which prompted jeers to ring out from some home fans.

Sterling received a mixture of boos and applause when he was taken off late on for Madueke, who went on to score Chelsea’s fourth in added time. Others have questioned the impact Sterling has had on the team this term, although the attacker has also received waves of support too.

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Madueke is one of those who has put his support behind Sterling and has made his feelings about the criticism very clear. The 22-year-old told the Daily Mail: “It’s so important (to support him). I’m nobody to tell you not to have an opinion but I also have mine.

“That’s one of my teammates and the criticism is harsh and unfair. It’s our duty to voice our opinion and try to change the narrative a bit. Raheem is an exceptional footballer and an even better person. It’s a bit upsetting when I see some of the criticism.”

Madueke added: “I’m sure he can handle it but we know how important he is for us. He’s definitely a big brother figure for a lot of us. There is a lot that people don’t see. All I know is that he’s exceptional and super committed to the cause.”

Madueke insists Chelsea fans do have cause for optimism for the run-in, despite their languid