Chelsea announce £50m transfer of Man City star Raheem Sterling on five-year contract as first signing of Boehly regime
CHELSEA have announced the £50million signing of Raheem Sterling after he jetted out to Los Angeles to join his new team-mates.
The 27-year-old arrives on a five-year contract, with the option for a further year.
Sterling said it was a "pleasure" to join the Blues and in doing so return to London.
Sterling grew up in Wembley and was initially at Queens Park Rangers' academy before signing for Liverpool as a teenager.
Sterling told : "First and foremost, it’s a pleasure to be here.
"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’ management.
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"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."
Sterling promised to do his "talking on the pitch" after scoring 131 goals in 337 games for City.
He continued: "I’m really looking forward to meeting the fans there soon.
"I do want to take the opportunity to thank Todd, Behdad, the ownership group, Thomas, and all involved in the process of getting me here.
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"I can’t wait to get going now and continue to do my talking on the pitch."
Blues 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."
Sterling confirmed he was leaving Manchester City earlier today after posting an emotional goodbye message to the club.
And now his move to Stamford Bridge has been rubber-stamped.
He joins Chelsea with bags of experience under his belt - as well as four Premier League winners medals.
The England ace has jetted to the USA to join up with his new teammates on their pre-season tour after becoming the first signing of the Boehly era.
Sterling shared a three-minute video on social media documenting his highlights at the Etihad, and wrote a lengthy statement as he waved goodbye to the Etihad.
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Defender Kalidou Koulibaly is expected to follow Sterling through the doors at Stamford Bridge.
The Napoli centre-back is close to sealing a £34m switch to the Blues and is also set to fly out to LA ahead of joining on a four-year deal.