Raheem Sterling has made known that he is leaving Manchester City in order to join Chelsea for £47.5 million.
Sterling had a medical with Chelsea on Sunday after reaching a personal agreement on a five-year contract with an additional 12-month option.
Sterling said in a statement that he was leaving City: “Seven seasons. Eleven major trophies. A lifetime of memories.
“To the coaching staff who have played a massive 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 involved with Manchester City, my respect for you couldn’t be greater.
“What a ride it’s been. I am thankful for the ups and downs, as it’s the downs that have, at times, 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.”
Pep Guardiola has frequently said, “I don’t like to keep players that are unhappy” and he was willing to let Sterling leave this summer, even to a Premier League competitor, provided a reasonable offer in the neighbourhood of £50 million was put forth.
