Gary Lineker led the praise for Chelsea after their £50m coup to land Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling, who become the first addition of the Todd Boehly era.
Sterling has penned a five-year deal worth more than £300,000-a-week as he returns to London to link up with Thomas Tuchel’s side. Sterling has now flown out to Los Angeles to join the rest of the squad for pre-season.
Chelsea announced the news on Twitter by posting a picture of Sterling wearing the club’s colours in the states and writing: ‘A star in LA! #SterlingIsChelsea. Fans, pundits and players have since been reacting and it was Match of the Day pundit Lineker who was the first big name to share his thoughts.
‘That is one hell of a signing,’ the TV host said as he retweeted Chelsea’s announcement post.
Sterling’s former Manchester City team-mates also reacted on social media as they wished him well for his new spell in west London.
City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne said Sterling would be a huge miss for the club after scoring 131 goals in 339 games for the Citizens.
‘We came seven years ago together to this club to win trophies together and play good football and we achieved that. Was a pleasure to play with you. Wishing you all the best in future bro.’
Riyad Mahrez also paid tribute to Sterling after sealing his exit – posting a picture of the pair holding up the Premier League title.
‘Countless memories,’ he wrote on Twitter. ‘Will miss you my brother.’
Kyle Walker added on Instagram: ‘Always sad to see a team mate leave. Not just a team mate but a friend.
‘We shared many great times. I wish you all the best at your new club. Good luck my bro ‘
And Fernandinho – who has now left City to return to Brazil – gave Sterling his send-off by recounting a famous song associated with the forward.
‘He’s top of the league! I have so much respect for you and your career, my brother. We did a lot together and that will never be forgotten. Good luck in the future. God bless you. Raheem Sterling… he’s top of the league!’
And his new team-mate – as well as fellow England man – Reece James welcomed him to Stamford Bridge with open arms.
‘Welcome brother @Sterling7!’ he wrote after retweeting the club’s announcement.
In his own farewell message he said that he had arrived in Manchester a 20-year-old and ‘today, I leave as a man’.
‘Seven seasons. Eleven major trophies. A lifetime of memories,’ he said.
‘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 penned an emotional goodbye letter to City and their fans, published on Wednesday
It is believed that City formally discussed Sterling’s desire to bring an end to a stellar seven-year stay at the Etihad Stadium at the beginning of the June during a conversation led by the England international.
The Premier League champions afforded the forward time to determine his next steps and Sterling has appreciated the space to assess his options and is thankful for the transparency that both parties have committed to.
Sterling’s resolve to make the move was hardened by a discussion with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel, who told him how he would be used at Stamford Bridge.
In his last year of his contract at City, it is thought that Sterling is keen to remain a key part in any squad.
Sterling’s desire to leave City was driven by a demand for more game time in the biggest fixtures, something City manager Pep Guardiola could not guarantee, but the relationship is ending amicably.
It is believed that City formally discussed Sterling’s desire to bring an end to a stellar seven-year stay at the Etihad Stadium at the beginning of the June during a conversation led by the England international.