After Romelu Lukaku returned to Inter Milan on loan, Chelsea was looking for more firepower, and Raheem Sterling was at the top of Thomas Tuchel's shortlist of attacking targets. Sterling had entered the final year of his contract with Man City.
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.
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R. Sterling (@sterling7) July 13, 2022
Sterling announced his departure from City in a statement that read: "The number seven. eleven significant awards. The memories of a lifetime.
"To the coaching staff, who have been incredibly important to my growth over the years. To the people I share a pitch with who have grown to be my teammates. the personnel in the backroom the office personnel. To the devoted supporters of the team, the fans. And I have the utmost regard for everyone connected with Manchester City.
What a journey it has been. The downs have, at times, put my fortitude to the test and allowed me to stand here in front of you as the greatest possible version of myself, so I am grateful for both the ups and the downs.
"I was 20 when I first came to Manchester, and I'm leaving now as a man. I appreciate your unending assistance. It has been an honor to wear the Manchester City jersey.
The attacking targets shortlisted by Thomas Tuchel included the England international, whose contract with City was entering its final year.
Pep Guardiola has frequently said, "I don't like to keep players who are unhappy," and he was willing to let Sterling leave this summer, even to a Premier League competitor, provided a reasonable offer in the neighborhood of £50 million was put forth.
With a combined 165 goals in the league in 320 games for Liverpool and City, Sterling provides Tuchel with a surefire threat in addition to his tactical versatility and expertise.
The 27-year-old intends to significantly contribute both on and off the field since he feels his career is at a pivotal point.
Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal for £45 million and Sterling to Stamford Bridge are two attacking players who City can transfer to members of the "Big Six" without hesitation, demonstrating their strong recruiting and the difference between the teams.
As top-tier European teams struggle to compete financially with their English counterparts, intra-league transfers are expected to increase.
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