Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka praised experienced teammate Raheem Sterling this week.

The English winger has come in for a lot of criticism from the club's supporters over the past few days.

However, Chukwuemeka, who played with Sterling in their FA Cup quarter final win over Leicester City, believes the veteran is a leader on and off the pitch.

He told club media: “Everyone is human and sometimes you can't control your emotions, but we need to trust the process as a team, fans included.

“For us young players, especially me, Noni (Madueke) and Cole, Raheem has helped a lot.

“He is always on us, showing us what we can do better, and what we can improve on outside of football as well as in football. He's like a big brother to me.

“He is an experienced player and he's had an amazing career. We know what a great player he is. He's contributed to goals and assists and has won so many penalties for the team this season.

“But he is human and players miss chances and have an off day. It happens. But we stay behind him – and he still got the assist for Cole's goal."