By Tom Gott
Raheem Sterling has apologised to Chelsea fans for his penalty miss in Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final victory over Leicester City.
Sterling has found himself on a tricky run of form which culminated in a tough showing against Leicester. The winger missed a penalty and a one-on-one before sending a free kick blazing high into the stands.
His performance was met with a chorus of boos from Chelsea fans, who even berated head coach Mauricio Pochettino for withdrawing Mykhailo Mudryk from the action before him.
"To all the Chelsea fans, apologies for the penalty miss," Sterling wrote on social media after the game. "I'll be back 10x times stronger to help the team win and continue to keep fighting for the badge every single day."
Pochettino threw his support behind Sterling after the game, and plenty of the 29-year-old's teammates also stood up for him in response to his post.
"My brother, s**t happens," Cole Palmer wrote. "No need to apologise, gg [good game]."
Noni Madueke added: "Bro, no need to apologise. We appreciate you, g."
Left-back Ben Chilwell took a similar stance. The vice-captain wrote: "It's football, it happens. We all appreciate you, brother."
Sterling, Chelsea's highest earner, remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2027, but reports have suggested he could be sold this summer after his decline in form has produced just eight goals in 36 games in all competitions this season.
His drop in production has seen Sterling lose his once-certain spot in Gareth Southgate's England squad. Sterling has not represented his country since the 2022 World Cup, with Southgate admitting he simply needs to "play well" to reclaim his place in the Three Lions setup.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Raheem Sterling sends message to Chelsea fans after FA Cup boos.
