Sterling announces move to Chelsea with a farewell message to Man City
‘I arrived as a 20-year-old. Today I leave as a man’: Raheem Sterling announces £50m move to Chelsea with emotional farewell message to Man City – as he lands in LA on the Blues’ tour
- Raheem Sterling has confirmed he will be leaving Manchester City this summer
- The forward is poised to join Chelsea in a £50m deal, and has jetted out to the US
- He is thought to have negotiated a five-year deal worth more than £300k-a-week
- On social media, Sterling has penned an letter and says he is leaving ‘as a man’
Raheem Sterling has penned an emotional letter to Manchester City ahead of his £50million move to Chelsea, admitting he is leaving the club ‘as a man’.
The forward has jetted out to Los Angeles to link up with his soon-to-be new team-mates ahead of the official confirmation, and has already undergone a medical.
Sterling, as Sportsmail has reported, is understood to have negotiated a five-year contract worth significantly more than his existing £300,000-a-week.
Raheem Sterling has penned an emotional letter to Manchester City confirming his departure
‘Seven seasons. Eleven major trophies. A lifetime of memories,’ his statement read.
‘To the coaching staff who have played a massive role in my development over the years, to my team-mates who have become more than just those I share a pitch with, to the backroom staff, to the office staff, to the fans who have tirelessly supported the team, and to everyone associated with Manchester City, my respect for you couldn’t be greater.
‘What a ride it’s been.
The star forward has already jetted out to Los Angeles, and has undergone his Blues medical
‘I am thankful for the ups and downs, as it’s the downs that have, at times, have tested my strength and resolve, and enabled me to stand here in front of you as the best possible version of myself.
‘I arrived in Manchester a 20-year-old. Today, I leave as a man.
‘Thank you for your endless support. It’s been an honour to wear the shirt of Manchester City.’
Sterling has also shared a three-minute video showing his Etihad highlights reel.
Sterling has won four Premier League titles during his time at City, and scored 131 goals in total
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly (pictured) played a prominent role in sealing the £50m move
Chelsea were clear in their desire for the 27-year-old to take on a key role in their attacking overhaul next season, and Sterling opted to move to Stamford Bridge following positive discussions with Thomas Tuchel.
The England international joined City from Liverpool for £44m and enjoyed a hugely successful seven seasons with the club, and leaves just nine goals shy of reaching a century of Premier League strikes for the reigning champions.
Pep Guardiola did not want to stand in the player’s way at the end of a frustrating campaign which often saw him sidelined for the biggest matches.
Sterling had communicated to City at the start of last month that he wanted to seek a new challenge elsewhere, and a host of elite clubs in Europe were interested.
Pep Guardiola did not want to stand in the way of Sterling, who endured a mixed campaign
Thomas Tuchel will now be able to link up with his new arrival for pre-season training in the US
Tuchel was keen to seal the deal in time for Sterling to join his squad on their pre-season flight to Los Angeles last weekend, although that was not possible.
He will now be able to meet his team-mates on tour, however, with Chelsea to play Club America, Charlotte FC and Arsenal before the start of the new season.
The winger also has the option for an extension of one season on a deal that will take him into the Premier League’s top three earners.
New Blues chairman Todd Boehly led the talks with City to thrash out the £50m fee.
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