Thomas Tuchel has expressed sympathy for Raheem Sterling following a difficult period in the former England international’s career. Sterling, 31, recently pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving and possession of nitrous oxide after a car crash involving his Lamborghini in May.

Tuchel, who signed Sterling for Chelsea in 2022, reflected on the forward’s challenges since leaving Manchester City, where he was considered to be at the peak of his performance. “I have a lot of sympathy for him and I feel that he has struggled ever since he left Man City,” Tuchel said.

The Chelsea manager also noted that he had been an advocate for Sterling’s transfer but felt the player was unable to recapture the same level of impact he had previously demonstrated. “I was fighting for this transfer and he could never prove the importance that he normally had,” Tuchel added.

Sterling’s difficulties on and off the pitch have marked a stark contrast to his earlier career stages, during which he was viewed as a key figure in Manchester City’s squad. The legal issues stemming from the May incident further underline the challenges currently facing the forward.