Raheem
Sterling has completed his move to Chelsea from Manchester City in a deal
worth £47.5m.
The 27-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge with the
option of a further 12 months and has linked up with Thomas Tuchel's squad
on their pre-season tour of the United States.
Sterling becomes the first men's signing of the Todd Boehly era at Chelsea
and could soon be joined by Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who has
agreed a four-year deal and will undergo a medical on Thursday ahead of a
potential £32m move.
"First and foremost, it's a pleasure to be here," said Sterling. "I've
obviously achieved a lot in my career so far, but there is still so much
more to achieve and I'm really looking forward to doing that in a Chelsea
shirt, under Thomas' management.
"London is my home and where it all started for me, and it's amazing I now
have the opportunity to play in front of friends and family week in, week
out at Stamford Bridge. I'm really looking forward to meeting the fans there
soon.
"I can't wait to get going now and continue to do my talking on the pitch."
New Chelsea co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly said: "Raheem Sterling is a
serial winner and his signing is an important step in strengthening our
squad. We are delighted for Raheem to return to London with Chelsea, and we
look forward to seeing his world-class talent on display at Stamford
Bridge."
Sterling earlier waved goodbye to Manchester City in a heartfelt social
media message on Wednesday, with the England winger describing his "honour
to wear the shirt of Manchester City".
"Seven seasons, eleven major trophies, a lifetime of memories," he wrote.
"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 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 arrive in Manchester a 20-year-old. Today, I leave as a man."
The England international headed a shortlist of Tuchel's attacking targets
and had entered the final year of his contract with City, who are grateful
for his service and will not obstruct his desire for greater minutes and
status elsewhere.
Pep Guardiola has repeatedly stated "I don't like to keep players that are
unhappy" and was open to allowing Sterling's exit this summer, even to a
Premier League rival, on condition an acceptable bid in the region of £50m
was tabled.
Tuchel was desperate to add a decisive edge in the final third to cure
Chelsea's goalscoring issues and new Blues owner Todd Boehly had been in
touch with City to discuss figures and the structure of a deal.
Sterling offers Tuchel a guaranteed threat - he has directly contributed a
combined 165 goals in the division in 320 appearances for Liverpool and City
- as well as tactical flexibility and experience.
The 27-year-old believes he is in the decisive phase of his career and wants
to make a significant contribution on and off the pitch.
The fact that City can sell two attackers to members of the 'Big Six' -
Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal for £45m and Sterling to Stamford Bridge - without
trepidation is a sign of their solid recruitment and the gap that exists
between the clubs.
Intra-league transfers at the top end of the table are set to become more
common as European teams struggle to financially compete with their English
counterparts.
Mount: Sterling will take our levels
higher
Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has been speaking to Sky Sports about the
influence his new club team-mate and England colleague Sterling will have on
the Blues squad.
Mount is convinced Sterling's experience, quality and leadership will boost
Chelsea.
"A top, top guy. Such an experienced player, top class pro," said Mount when
asked about Sterling.
"I've been lucky to play with him over the last couple of years with England
where he's captained the team at times. He's someone who has been there for
a very long time.
"He's a top player and I've learnt a lot off him over the last couple of
years so for him to be joining us, he's only going to bring our levels
higher.
"He's definitely someone who strives for high levels to win and that's what
we want. We want those players around this group, very excited for him to be
here.
"We've lost a few that are leaders and he's coming in and will be someone
that will lead, a big presence in the group, a big personality. Hopefully we
can win some things together."
Why Chelsea appreciate Sterling's true
value
Sterling wants greater minutes but also responsibility in this defining
period of his career, and Chelsea need a marquee signing to mark the start
of a new era.
The move not only benefits Chelsea. Sterling will improve on his
understanding with England team-mates James and Mount, two players he can
consult for a gauge on how Tuchel operates. Chelsea are also one of very few
clubs who can afford his wages.
Tuchel is no doubt attracted by Sterling's versatility across the forward
line - he is capable of playing on either flank or through the middle as a
false nine - a tactic the German has preferred over the conventional target
man.
Chelsea won 21 men's trophies and 12 women's titles since Roman Abramovich's
purchase in 2003. Todd Boehly has now replaced Bruce Buck as chairman, and
prising a ready-made serial winner in Sterling is a big opening statement.
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