Raheem Sterling’s letter to supporters announcing his exit from Manchester City brought Chelsea’s first significant acquisition of the new era at Stamford Bridge one step closer to being made public.
Sterling and Chelsea have already reached a personal agreement on a five-year contract that is allegedly worth more than £300,000 per week ($355,000), with Sterling having the option of an extra 12 months.
The 27-year-old, who has already through his medical with the London club and is on his way out to join the squad on their US pre-season tour, will cost Chelsea an estimated £47.5 million from Manchester City.
Even though the Blues have not yet made the deal official, Sterling gave supporters of City one last goodbye in a message uploaded on social media.
What a journey 💙 pic.twitter.com/beX13AOOsj
— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) July 13, 2022
The number seven. eleven significant awards. A lifetime of memories,” the England star said on social media.
“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 expected arrival of Sterling will be Chelsea’s first significant transfer under their new US owners, who are backed by billionaire Todd Boehly.
Boehly and the Clearlake Capital group purchased the team in a £4.25 billion transaction in May, taking over after former owner Roman Abramovich was compelled to list Chelsea for sale just before the UK government imposed sanctions.
Boehly, who also shares ownership of the LA Dodgers, has taken an active part in Chelsea’s summer transfer activity by filling in for Marina Granovskaia, the club’s sports director.
Russian-Canadian Granovskaia, who had been Abramovich’s dependable right-hand woman for numerous years, departed the club. She had been in charge of the Blues’ transactions.
Another person who left in a marked breach with the Abramovich-era leadership was longtime chairman Bruce Buck.
On the field, Sterling will be expected to provide Thomas Tuchel’s team some much-needed firepower after record signing Romelu Lukaku struggled upon returning to the club last summer.
In a transaction approved by Boehly, the Belgian has returned to his previous team Inter Milan on loan.
In 337 games in all competitions over the course of his seven seasons with Manchester City, Sterling managed 131 goals and 94 assists while also winning four Premier League championships. He has also received 77 England caps.
Chelsea is apparently moving closer to signing Senegal center-back Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli, who has reportedly agreed to personal terms.
Raphinha, a Brazilian sensation whose transfer from Leeds United to Barcelona was announced on Wednesday, has been passed over by Chelsea.
Although the winger had been targeted by Chelsea, the Catalan giants had long been rumored to be his preferred destination.
