Raheem Sterling has admitted he has major reservations about football returning next month
England star Sterling said the Premier League should not resume until it is safe for players, staff and referees.
The Manchester City forward is one of the biggest names in the Premier League and his doubts could be a major issue as clubs plan talks with their players over the next few days.
Sterling, talking on his YouTube channel, said: “The moment we do go back it just needs to be a moment where it's not just for footballing reasons, it's safe for not just us footballers but the whole medical staff, referees.
"I don't know how that's going to work, but I feel like once that side of the people's safety and the player's safety is secured and their wellbeing is looked after then that's the right time to go back in.
"Until then, I'm...how can I say...not scared but reserved and thinking what the worst outcome could be. At the same time I'm looking forward to it and I really want to get back but hopefully it will all be well when we do get back.”
Premier League bosses are keen to get games up and running with 92 fixtures still left to play but player safety is one of the major stumbling blocks along with neutral venues.
They could face a battle to convince players it is safe to return as talks are planned with the Professional Footballers’ Association and the Premier League on Tuesday.
Players are voicing concerns about training and matches with the PFA insisting games must not return until it is safe.
Premier League bosses hope their presentations to players will prove trading grounds and stadiums are safe to start playing and training again as they hope to return from June 8.
