Raheem Sterling's 2020 comments show Liverpool return is not impossible

Enzo Maresca didn't mince his words when letting Raheem Sterling know that he's no longer in Chelsea's plans .

The winger, who's now 29, seems like he may be willing to entertain a move back to Liverpool , although the bosses at Anfield may not share the sentiment.

Sterling surely garners some sympathy. You might not feel compelled to pity him - Jamie Carragher was blunt with his former Liverpool mate , advising him to "play better" in response to Sterling's statement about being omitted from the Premier League squad, but some situations have been beyond his control.

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Despite being brought in by Todd Boehly, Sterling doesn't match the young, low-salary profile Chelsea is now doggedly pursuing. His actions on the field aside, this strategy meant he was likely for the chop this summer as Chelsea racked up over 10 new signings.

To be fair, Sterling hasn't exactly sparkled since his transfer from Manchester City. Better performances might have spared him from joining what Maresca has called Chelsea's "15-20" outcasts.

Caught off-guard by his sudden drop in the hierarchy, as his statement suggests, Sterling's left scrambling for his future despite actively participating in preseason. Now he's stranded in limbo during a period where he's openly striving to secure his position on the England team.

Chelsea has left itself in a bit of a pickle with more senior players than squad places, practically rolling out the red carpet for clubs to snap up the surplus talent on the cheap as the transfer window's end looms.

Raheem Sterling, eager to get his England career back on track, might not fuss over his paycheck. If he's open to a wage cut and the asking price is a steal, admirers should be queuing up.

Sterling's days at the pinnacle of football are likely behind him, a notion that probably took root during his Manchester City tenure. Yet, he's previously expressed a keenness for a dramatic return to Liverpool.

"Would I ever go back to Liverpool? To be honest with you I love Liverpool," Sterling confessed during his time at City.

"Don't get it twisted, they are always in my heart. It's a team that has done a lot for me growing up so.."

Back then, City was contesting a two-year Champions League ban, which they eventually dodged. When it came time to part ways with Sterling, Chelsea swooped in.

A switch back to Liverpool now seems even more improbable. However, despite any past animosity, Sterling's affection for the Reds hasn't waned, and he'd likely leap at the chance for an Anfield comeback.

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