Chelsea announce signing of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City

Chelsea have completed the signing of England international Raheem Sterling from Manchester City on a five-year contract until June 2027.

The 27-year-old forward, who passed his medical in London on Tuesday, is understood to have joined the Blues for an initial fee of £47.5m.

Sterling has become the club's first signing of the summer window under new chairman and co-controlling owner Todd Boehly, and he is now set to join up with Thomas Tuchel's squad for their pre-season tour of the USA.

Speaking to Chelsea's official website on his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Sterling said: "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's management.

He's here! 😁#SterlingIsChelsea

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 13, 2022

"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 do want to take the opportunity to thank Todd, Behdad, the ownership group, Thomas, and all involved in the process of getting me here.

"I can't wait to get going now and continue to do my talking on the pitch."

Boehly added: "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."

Man City have also confirmed the deal from their end, and the club's director of football Txiki Begiristain has expressed his gratitude to Sterling after seven trophy-laden years at the Etihad Stadium.

"Raheem has been a wonderful servant for Manchester City, and he leaves our club on the best terms possible having helped us win yet another Premier League title," said Begiristain via City's official website.

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"He has played a very important part of the successes we've had in recent seasons and his dignity on and off the field has been an inspiration to many.

"He will be forever part of Manchester City and we wish him well in the next chapter of his career and he departs knowing he will always be welcomed at this football club."

After joining Man City from Liverpool in the summer of 2015, Sterling went on to score 131 goals and provide 94 assists in 337 appearances for the Citizens across all competitions, and has developed into one of Europe's best forwards under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola.

The 77-cap England international won a total of 12 trophies at the Etihad, including four Premier League titles, one FA Cup and five EFL Cups.

Sterling could make his competitive debut for Chelsea in their opening Premier League fixture of the 2022-23 campaign away against Everton on August 6.