Raheem Sterling has penned an emotional letter to Manchester City ahead of his 50 million-pound move to Chelsea, admitting he is leaving the club 'as a man'.
In an emotional letter, iconic forward Raheem Sterling announced his departure from Manchester City ahead of a 50 million-pound move to Chelsea on Wednesday. The Englishman reportedly agreed on personal terms on a five-year contract with the option of a further 12 months and had a medical with the Blues on Sunday.
Admitting he is leaving Man City 'as a man', Sterling reportedly jetted out to Los Angeles to link up his soon-to-be teammates ahead of the official confirmation.
"Seven seasons. Eleven major trophies. A lifetime of memories," Sterling's statement read.
"To the coaching staff who have played a massive role in my development over the years, to my teammates 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," the England international added.
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"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," he added.
"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," the forward concluded.
The 27-year-old winger has also shared a three-minute video showing his Etihad highlights reel. Following this, several City fans took to Twitter to thank Sterling for all the memories he gave them. Here's a look at some of the reactions:
What a journey π pic.twitter.com/beX13AOOsj
β Raheem Sterling (@sterling7)β½οΈ 131 goals
π
°οΈ 74 assists
π₯ | Raheem Sterling has MORE direct goal contributions than ANY other player since joining Manchester City pic.twitter.com/Ru23WjvNoY
πΆπ Raheem , heβs π of the league!pic.twitter.com/zvANWVYMEu
β City Xtra (@City_Xtra)Thank you for everything, ! βͺπ΅ https://t.co/H6H1brrNxL
β Manchester City fans in The World (@cityfcfans)This is making me emotional π₯Ή
Good Luck for your future endeavours! https://t.co/ENcs5lsTur
4x Premier League Champion
5x Carabao Cup Winner
1x Fa Cup Winner
131 Goals
95 Assists
in 339 Games
Will never forget him going up against Racist and Scouse Media and proving them wrong
Thank you for everything, Raheem Sterling https://t.co/FUgiI57KdX pic.twitter.com/6x2g9mAM42
Your evolution as both a player & person on and off the pitch during your time at here is remarkable. A leading figure in creating a society that is considerably more aware of identifying racism & tackling it.
Proud to have called you a blue.
Thanks for everything https://t.co/UV1045vdQG
Discarded by Brendan Rodgers at 20 due to an βattitude problemβ with scousers touting Jordan Ibe as a bigger talent to being harassed by UK journalists with racist articles because of his move to City. 4 PL titles later βheβs shut everyone up. City Legend! https://t.co/gZQYuMqciW
β Mr. Koolest π₯·πΏ (@___STxN)Manchester City legend. Chelseaβs got a good one. https://t.co/9GJf4NN2qv
β Roberto Rojas (@RobertoRojas97)Β« I leave as a man. Β» https://t.co/OLQFOwCxWa pic.twitter.com/1YqeBR3cia
β malheureux (@steevitoooow)Once a blue always a blue
We always gon miss you bludπ https://t.co/rfcgA9gBuP
WE LOVE YOU RAZπ https://t.co/cwFytTWktV pic.twitter.com/kFEA7dKCGy
β π π΄πΏπ» π²π·π°πΌπΏπΈπΎπ½π πΈπ·/πΈπΈ π (@Krucage1)Whatever it is, never ever ever forget the hate and abuse a 20 year old Raz was subjected to from his former fans, legends and media for joining us and despite all of that he told a bold decision and stuck by it. He chose us
He came, he saw, he conquered ππ₯ https://t.co/lgWFOuYad4
π΅ 339 Laga
β½οΈ 131 Gol
π
°οΈ 94 Assist
πππππ League Cup
ππππ Premier League
π Charity Shield
π FA Cup
π
π
π
PL Player of the Month
π
PFA Team of the Year
π
PFA Young Player of the Year
π
FWA Footballer of the Year
Thank you for everything, ! π΅π https://t.co/tRODoqZRqE
Even in the final moments of his Manchester City career, Raheem Sterlingβs class as a person shines through.
Superbly put together farewell message from one of the best. Good luck, Raheem. https://t.co/JsgQ0dHF0f
Sterling joined City from Liverpool in 2015 and has gone on to make 339 appearances in all competitions, scoring 131 goals and registering 95 assists. However, the winger has recently slipped down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola, being left out of the starting XI for some headline games.
Sterling would have most likely spent more time on the sidelines next season with the additions of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez this summer and the performances of players like Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.
By playing regularly in the upcoming season, the 27-year-old, whose contract at City was slated to expire next summer, hopes to position himself well to compete for a spot in England's starting lineup at the 2022 World Cup.
At the beginning of last month, Sterling reportedly informed City that he wanted to look for a fresh challenge abroad, and several great clubs in Europe were intrigued. Although it was impossible, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was anxious to complete the transaction before the Englishman travelled with his team last weekend on their pre-season journey to Los Angeles.
He will now be able to meet his teammates on tour with Chelsea to play Club America, Charlotte FC and Arsenal before the start of the new season. The winger can also extend one season on a deal that will take him into the Premier League's top three earners. New Blues chairman Todd Boehly led the talks with City to thrash out the 50 million-pound fee.Β