The London-raised, 27-year-old returned to the capital from Manchester City to sign a five-year deal worth more than £300,000-a-week. Meanwhile, Kalidou Koulibaly will soon complete a £34million move from Napoli as the club’s new US owners continue to cash in. “First and foremost, it’s a pleasure to be here,” Sterling said after his unveiling in Los Angeles, where Chelsea are currently on tour. “Obviously I’ve achieved a lot in my career so far, but there’s still a lot to achieve and I’m really looking forward to doing it in a Chelsea shirt under Thomas (Tychel). “London is my home and it’s where it all started for me, and it’s amazing that I now get the chance to play in front of friends and family week in, week out at Stamford Bridge. I’m really looking forward to meeting the fans there soon.’ Raheem Sterling has sealed a £50million move to Chelsea, moving to Stamford Bridge after signing a five-year contract. Sterling also welcomed the club’s new American owners and manager, adding: “I can’t wait to get started now and keep talking on the pitch.” Chairman and co-owner Todd Boehly said: “Raheem Sterling is a serial winner and his signing is an important step in strengthening our squad. “We are delighted that Raheem is back in London with Chelsea and look forward to seeing his world-class talent on display at Stamford Bridge.” In a glowing parting message, Man City director of football Txiki Begiristain hailed Sterling’s contribution to Manchester and wished him well in his “next chapter” at Chelsea. He said: “Rahim has been a wonderful servant for Manchester City and leaves our club on the best possible terms, having helped us win another Premier League title. “He has played a huge part in our success over the last few seasons and his dignity on and off the pitch has been an inspiration to many. “He will forever be a part of Manchester City and we wish him well in the next chapter of his career and he leaves knowing that he will always be welcome at this football club.” Sterling leaves City as their second top scorer in European football – behind only Sergio Aguero – and has made 339 appearances since joining from Liverpool in 2015. Sterling (left) represents the first signing of the Todd Boehly (right) era since taking over as Chelsea owner Sterling flew to Los Angeles on Tuesday to meet his future Chelsea team-mates and has now completed his move Earlier, the England international – who flew out to join his new team-mates on Tuesday – penned a heartfelt letter to City supporters. He spent seven years at the Etihad following a £50million switch from Liverpool, making more than 300 appearances and winning 11 trophies, but is understood to have moved on for more regular first-team football. In it, he said he had arrived in Manchester a 20-year-old and “today, I leave as a man”. “Seven seasons. Eleven major trophies. A lifetime of memories,” he said. “To the coaching staff who have played a huge role in my development over the years, to my teammates 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 could not be greater. “What a ride it was. I am grateful for the ups and downs, as the downs are what, at times, have tested my strength and resolve and allowed me to stand here before you as the best possible version of myself. “I arrived in Manchester a 20-year-old. Today I leave like a man. “Thank you for your endless support. It was an honor to wear the Manchester City shirt.’ The England star is happy to be back at his “home” in London and is confident he can enjoy success with Chelsea. Sterling trained with his team-mates for the first time on Wednesday and could make his first appearance in Chelsea colors in the early hours of Sunday when they face Mexico’s Club America in Las Vegas. If he does not feature on Sunday, Sterling could make his Chelsea debut in Charlotte next Thursday or against Arsenal in the Florida Cup final next Saturday. Sterling is the Blues’ first signing since Boehly completed a protracted takeover of the club in May in the wake of British government sanctions against previous owner Abramovich following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Chelsea flew out for their pre-season tour of the USA on Saturday and were keen to have the forward available to travel with them. Koulibaly will be next, flying to Los Angeles on Wednesday night and undergoing a medical on Thursday before signing a four-year contract, the length of which has caused concern due to the player’s age. Sterling penned an emotional farewell letter to Manchester City and its fans, which he published earlier on Wednesday Sterling leaves Manchester City having won the Premier League four times and become a club legend since arriving in 2015 It is believed that City formally discussed Sterling’s desire to end a remarkable seven-year stay at the Etihad Stadium in early June during a conversation led by the England international. The Premier League champions have taken time to determine his next steps and Sterling has appreciated the space to assess his options and is grateful for the transparency both parties have committed to. Sterling’s determination to make the move was hardened by a discussion with Blues manager Thomas Tuchel, who told him how he would be used at Stamford Bridge. In the final year of his contract at City, Sterling is believed to want to remain a regular at any team. Sterling’s desire to leave City was driven by a demand for more playing time in the biggest games, something City manager Pep Guardiola could not guarantee, but the relationship ends amicably. It is believed that City formally discussed Sterling’s desire to end a remarkable seven-year stay at the Etihad Stadium in early June during a conversation led by the England international. Sterling has been a Pep Guardiola favorite for years before seeing his time on the pitch in big games dwindle last season. The England international is a key member of Gareth Southgate’s squad ahead of the World Cup in Qatar later this year. The Premier League champions have taken time to determine his next steps and Sterling has appreciated the space to assess his options and is grateful for the transparency both parties have committed to. Sterling will be remembered by City fans after winning four Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola. Last season he entered the club’s top 10 all-time goalscorers list, underscoring his influence during City’s domestic dominance. He has openly credited City’s coaching staff for his tactical development and regards his time under Guardiola as extremely successful.
