BREAKING NEWS: Raheem Sterling has confirmed that the £50 million striker will be joining Chelsea this summer. “I told him to come to Chelsea this summer and he has agreed to join Chelsea on only one condition,” Sterling said.
Raheem Sterling, an England forward, has officially joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a £50 million deal.
The 27-year-old Sterling has committed to a five-year deal with Stamford Bridge.
In 2015, Sterling was acquired by City for £49 million from Liverpool. He went on to win four Premier League titles and score 131 goals in 339 games.
Sterling, an England cap holder with 77 caps, is Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel’s first significant acquisition following the Todd Boehly-led takeover.
Chelsea is close to making a move for Manchester City center back Nathan Ake and is scheduled to sign defender Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli in the meantime.
“Under Thomas’ direction, I’m really looking forward to accomplishing that in a Chelsea shirt. I’ve obviously accomplished a lot in my career so far,” Sterling said.
“It’s incredible that I get to play in front of friends and family every week at Stamford Bridge; London is my home and the place where it all began for me. I can’t wait to see the fans there in the near future.
“I’m eager to get started and keep talking on the pitch,” he continued.
With add-ons, Sterling’s contract could be worth up to £50 million. He still had a year left on his City contract, and big clubs abroad were interested in signing him.
He is currently in Los Angeles for the preseason, training with the Chelsea team.
“Raheem Sterling is a serial winner and his signing is an important step in strengthening our squad,” stated Boehly, chairman and co-controlling owner. Raheem’s return to London with Chelsea brings us great joy, and we can’t wait to witness his exceptional skill up close at Stamford Bridge.
“One of the greats of City”
Sterling said in a farewell post that he was leaving City “as a man” and that he would miss “seven seasons, 11 major trophies, a lifetime of memories.”
Sterling was hailed by City as “one of the club’s greatest modern-day players” in a statement.
Only Sergio Aguero (124) has scored more goals for City than Sterling (120) since Pep Guardiola took over as manager in 2016.
In 30 Premier League games last season, Sterling netted 13 goals, earning him his fourth league championship and his 11th major award in seven years with City.
“Raheem has been a wonderful servant for Manchester City, and he leaves our club on the best terms possible having helped us win yet another Premier League title,” continued Txiki Begiristain, director of football for the city.
“His integrity both on and off the field has inspired many, and he has been a major contributor to our recent successes.”
“He leaves knowing he will always be welcomed at this football club. He will be forever part of Manchester City, and we wish him well in the next chapter of his career.”
Jack Grealish’s arrival at Etihad Stadium last summer limited Sterling’s opportunities, while forwards Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez arrived this summer.
Sterling did not play in either of the two legs of Real Madrid’s Champions League semi-final loss or the thrilling season-ending matchup with Aston Villa.
He did, however, ignite that historic late-day comeback, setting up Ilkay Gundogan’s pivotal opening goal as City overcame a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 and surpass Liverpool for the league title.
Following Romelu Lukaku’s season-long loan return to Inter Milan, Chelsea manager Jochen Muller sought to bolster his attacking lineup.
With 15 goals across all competitions, the Belgian forward finished the previous season as the Blues’ top scorer, just ahead of Mason Mount (13), Kai Havertz (14) and others.
