Raheem Sterling has completed his sensational move from Manchester City to Chelsea, with Todd Boehly finally landing his first major signing since taking over the club from Roman Abramovich.
The 27-year-old England star has swapped the Etihad Stadium for Stamford Bridge in a move believed to worth £50million.
Sterling has signed a five-year contract worth significantly more than the £300,000 a week he was paid by City. There is the option for an extension of a further season on a deal that takes him into the Premier League’s top three earners.
He becomes the first signing of the Boehly era and will be followed by Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly after Chelsea agreed a £34m move for the centre back. He will undergo a medical in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Sterling had penned an emotional letter to City and their fans, in which he confirmed his exit earlier today.
‘I arrived in Manchester a 20-year-old. Today, I leave as a man’, he wrote.
The forward jetted out to Los Angeles on Tuesday to link up with his soon-to-be new Chelsea team-mates ahead of official confirmation of his move from City.
Sterling could make his Chelsea debut in Charlotte next Thursday or against Arsenal in the Florida Cup final the following Saturday.
It is thought to be unlikely that the forward will be available for Chelsea’s pre-season friendly with Club America this Sunday, though.
Raheem Sterling flew out to Los Angeles to meet his soon-to-be Chelsea team-mates, and has now completed his move
Sterling penned an emotional goodbye letter to Manchester City and their fans, which he published on Wednesday
In Sterling’s emotional letter to City, he said: ‘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 team-mates 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 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, have 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.’
Sterling leaves Manchester City having won the Premier League four times and become a club legend
