Raheem Sterling has penned his goodbye to Manchester City ahead of the winger’s imminent move to Chelsea.
Sterling is on the verge of completing a £47.5m move to Chelsea, having decided to leave the Premier League champions in search of a more prominent role.
The England international has agreed terms on a five-year contract and is expected to join up with the west Londoners for their pre-season tour of the United States.
The 27-year-old has confirmed his exit from City, taking to social media to thank the club after seven successful seasons at the Etihad.
“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,” Sterling wrote in a post shared on Twitter.
“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 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 made 339 appearances for City after signing from Liverpool in 2015, scoring 131 goals. He won four Premier League titles among his major honours and was named as the FWA Footballer of the Year in 2018/19.
