Posted: 12:11, July 13, 2022 | Updated: 13:01, 13 July 2022
Raheem Sterling has sent an emotional letter to Manchester City ahead of his £50million move to Chelsea, admitting he is leaving the club “as a man”.
The forward flew 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 reported by Sportsmail, is understood to have negotiated a five-year contract worth significantly more than the existing £300,000-a-week.
Raheem Sterling sent emotional letter to Manchester City confirming his departure
“Seven seasons. Eleven major trophies. A lifetime of memories,” his statement 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.
The star forward has already flown to Los Angeles and undergone a medical for the Blues
“I am grateful for the ups and downs, as the downs are what, at times, have tested my strength and my 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.’
Sterling also shared a three-minute video showing his best moments at the Etihad.
Sterling has won four Premier League titles during his time at City and scored 131 goals in total
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly (pictured) was instrumental in sealing the £50m transfer
Chelsea have been clear in their desire for the 27-year-old to take a key role in their attacking overhaul next season and Sterling has opted to move to Stamford Bridge after positive talks with Thomas Tuchel.
The England international joined City from Liverpool for £44m and has enjoyed a hugely successful seven seasons with the club, conceding just nine goals away from reaching a century of Premier League strikes for the reigning champions.
Pep Guardiola did not want to stand in the way of the player at the end of a disappointing campaign that often saw him sidelined for the biggest games.
Sterling had contacted City early last month that he wanted to seek a new challenge elsewhere, and several elite clubs in Europe were interested.
Pep Guardiola did not want to stand in the way of Sterling, who has endured a mixed campaign
Thomas Tuchel will now be able to link up with his new arrival for pre-season training in the USA
Tuchel wanted to seal the deal in time for Sterling to join his squad on the 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 of a season-long extension in a deal that would take him into the Premier League’s top three earners.
New Blues chairman Todd Boehly has led talks with City to scrap the £50m fee.
