Chelsea star slams 'harsh & unfair' criticism of Raheem Sterling

Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has urged fans to stick by teammate Raheem Sterling, labelling criticism of the 29-year-old «harsh and unfair».

Sterling was booed throughout the FA Cup quarter-final victory over Leicester City earlier this month and many supporters online have urged Chelsea to part ways with the high-earning winger this summer amid reports of interest from Saudi Arabia.

Madueke, however, has come out in support of his senior teammate, insisting fans do not see just how committed to Chelsea Sterling truly is.

«It's so important [to support him],» Madueke told the . «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. 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."

Wider criticism of Chelsea has been common this season as the Blues once again find themselves struggling in mid-table, but Madueke insists the squad are trying to turn the situation into a positive.

«I feel like negativity can only fuel you,» Madueke explained. «It gives you a tougher skin, it's part of the game. You're not going to go through your career without having downs and negative times when people are saying you're no good. The quicker you learn to deal with that, the better.

»We're in a semi-final of the FA Cup and, God willing, if we win that (trophy) then we're in Europe. In the league there is