- Raheem Sterling has completed a sensational move from Manchester City to Premier League rivals Chelsea
- The England international forward has cost the Stamford Bridge outfit around £50million to join from City
- The 27-year-old is the first arrival at Chelsea since Todd Boehly's takeover from Roman Abramovich in May
- Sterling earlier penned an emotional letter to City saying 'I arrived as a 20-year-old. Today I leave as a man.'
- His five-year contract at Chelsea is worth even more than the £300,000 per week he was paid by Man City
Chelsea have announced the signing of England winger Raheem Sterling on a five-year contract.
Sterling, who penned an emotional farewell message earlier on Thursday, was unveiled in Chelsea jersey via the club’s Twitter page.
The pacy English striker brings more fire power to Thomas Tuchel’s side that has endured patches of goal droughts from its forwards.
Sterling had spent the last seven seasons at Manchester City and has won four EPL titles, five League Cups and one FA Cup.
The 27-year-old made 339 appearances for City in his seven years spell at the Etihad, netting 131 goals and making 74 assists.
Sterling becomes second player to leave English Premier League champions Manchester City this summer, following the departure of Garbiel Jesus to Arsenal earlier in the week.
He becomes Chelsea’s first signing this season under the new club ownership by a consortium headed by Todd Boehly, an American businessman.
“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,” Sterling said of his new adventure.
“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.”
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly described Sterling as “a serial winner”, saying “his signing is an important step in strengthening our squad.”
Meanwhile, Kalidou Koulibaly will soon complete a £34m move from Napoli, as the club's new US owners continue to splash the cash.
'First and foremost, it's a pleasure to be here,' Sterling said after being unveiled in Los Angeles, where Chelsea are currently on tour.
'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 (Tuchel's) management.
'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.'
Sterling also hailed the club's new American owners and manager, adding: 'I can't wait to get going now and continue to do my talking on the pitch.'
Chairman and co-owner Todd Boehly said, '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.'
In a glowing parting message, Man City's Director of Football Txiki Begiristain hailed Sterling's contribution in Manchester and wished him well with 'the next chapter' at Chelsea.
He said: '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.
Earlier, the England international – who flew out to join his new team-mates on Tuesday – penned a heartfelt letter to City supporters.
He spent seven years at the Etihad following a £50m switch from Liverpool, making more than 300 appearances and winning 11 trophies but is understood to have moved for more regular first-team football.
In it, he said that he had arrived in Manchester a 20-year-old and 'today, I leave as a man'.
'Seven seasons. Eleven major trophies. A lifetime of memories,' he said.
'To the coaching staff who have played a massive role in my development over the years, to my team-mates 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.
'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.
'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.'
