Raheem Sterling delivered an emotional letter to Manchester City prior to his £50 million transfer to Chelsea, in which he admitted that he is leaving the club ‘as a man’
Ahead of the official announcement, the forward has flown to Los Angeles to join his soon-to-be new teammates and has already had a physical.
Sterling is believed to have secured a five-year contract for substantially more than his current £300,000 per week.
‘Seven seasonal months. Eleven important awards. A lifetime of memories’. his farewell message read.
My respect for everyone affiliated with Manchester City could not be higher.
‘What a rollercoaster it’s been. ‘
I am grateful for the ups and downs because it is the downs that have tested my strength and determination and allowed me to stand before you as the greatest version of myself.
I arrived in Manchester at the age of 20. I depart today as a man.
“We appreciate your unending support. It was an honor to wear the Manchester City jersey.
Additionally, Sterling has uploaded a three-minute video of his Etihad highlights.
Sterling agreed to transfer to Stamford Bridge after fruitful discussions with Thomas Tuchel. Chelsea had made it clear that they wanted the 27-year-old to play a crucial role in their offensive revamp next season.
The England international joined City from Liverpool for £44 million and had a tremendously successful seven seasons with the club. He exits with only nine Premier League goals short of 100 for the defending champions.
Pep Guardiola did not want to stand in the way of the player at the conclusion of a tough season in which he was frequently benched for the most important matches.
Sterling informed City at the beginning of last month that he desired a new challenge overseas, and a number of great European clubs were intrigued.
It was not possible for Tuchel to finalize the transaction in time for Sterling to join his team on their preseason travel to Los Angeles last weekend.
Before the start of the new season, he will now be able to meet his teammates on tour, as Chelsea will face Club America, Charlotte FC, and Arsenal.
The winger also has the option for a one-year extension on a contract that will place him among the top three earnings in the Premier League.