Raheem Sterling snubbed a summer move to Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in favour of a transfer to Chelsea after only wanting to move to an elite European club, according to reports.
The 27-year-old is set to be confirmed as Chelsea’s first signing of the summer and the first of the new era under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership.
Sterling will arrive at Stamford Bridge for a fee worth around £50 million, which will see him earn in the region of £310,000-a-week.
He leaves Manchester City after seven seasons at the Etihad after City gave their blessing for the England international to depart a year before his contract is due to expire.
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After flying to the United States to meet his soon-to-be new Chelsea teammates, Sterling confirmed his departure with a goodbye letter to the Manchester City faithful.
"Seven seasons, eleven major trophies, a lifetime of memories,” wrote Sterling.
"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 involved with Manchester City, my respect for you couldn’t be greater.
"What a ride it’s been.
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"I am thankful for the ups and the 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 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."
Sterling had interest from across Europe, from the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, but has chosen the Blues.
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Thomas Tuchel has landed his top attacking target but it took a talk with Sterling to convince him.
As reported by The Athletic, Sterling appreciated Tuchel’s clarity during talks when it came to the role he will play in the team, and his ambitions — short, mid and long-term — for the team.
However, they also add that he snubbed Arsenal and Spurs due to them not being an ‘elite European club’. Sterling only considered leaving Man City for a top level club, which sees Chelsea outdo their London counterparts once again.
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It’s a big coup for Chelsea this summer in the transfer market.
Sterling kicks off the exciting new era. Now an official announcement awaits.
Topics: Raheem Sterling, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Premier League
Matthew Debono