Chelsea have confirmed the signing of England striker Raheem Sterling from Manchester City in a £50m deal. Sterling, 27, has signed a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge. City signed Sterling from Liverpool in a £49m deal in 2015. He went on to score 131 goals in 339 games, winning four Premier League titles. Capped 77 times by England, Sterling is Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel’s first major signing since the signing of Todd Boehly. Meanwhile, Chelsea are set to sign Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly and are close to a move for Manchester City centre-back Nathan Ake. “Obviously I’ve achieved a lot in my career so far, but there’s still a lot more to achieve and I’m really looking forward to doing it in a Chelsea shirt under Thomas,” said Sterling. “London is my home and where it all started for me, and it’s amazing that I now get the chance to play in front of friends and family every week at Stamford Bridge. I can’t wait to meet the fans there soon.” He added: “I can’t wait to get started now and keep talking on the pitch.” Sterling’s deal is worth up to £50m including add-ons. He had a year left on his contract at City and had attracted interest from major clubs abroad. He has linked up with Chelsea’s squad in Los Angeles for pre-season. Chairman and co-controlling owner Boehly said: “Raheem Sterling is a 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 the world-class talent on display at Stamford Bridge’.
“One of City’s greats”
Watch: Sterling joins Premier League club 100 – best goals and stats
Sterling earlier posted a farewell message saying he was leaving City “like a man” adding: “Seven seasons, 11 major trophies, a lifetime of memories.”
In a statement, City paid tribute to Sterling, calling him “one of the club’s greatest modern players”.
Since Pep Guardiola took over as City manager in 2016, only Sergio Aguero (124) has scored more goals for City than Sterling (120).
Sterling scored 13 goals in 30 Premier League appearances last season as they won their fourth league title, their 11th major honor in seven seasons with City.
City director of football Txiki Begiristan added: “Rahim has been a wonderful servant to 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’s opportunities have been limited since the signing of Jack Grealish last summer, while strikers Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez have arrived at the Etihad Stadium this summer.
Sterling was on the bench for both legs of the Champions League semi-final defeat to Real Madrid and the epic final game of the season against Aston Villa.
However, he sparked that memorable final-day comeback, setting up Ilkay Gundogan’s crucial first goal as City came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and pip Liverpool to the league title.
Chelsea boss Tuchel has been looking to strengthen his attacking ranks following the return of Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan on a season-long loan.
The Belgian striker was the Blues’ top scorer last season with 15 goals in all competitions, just ahead of Kai Havertz (14) and Mason Mount (13).
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