Sterling confirms Man City exit with star in LA to seal £50m Chelsea transfer

Raheem Sterling has bid farewell to Man City, with the star confirming he will leave the club this summer in an emotional post on Instagram.

It comes after the England winger flew to Los Angeles to rubber stamp his stunning transfer to Premier League rivals Chelsea.

The Kingston-born England forward has spent his summer holiday in Jamaica, but is now in LA to link up with his new teammates and complete his £50million move to the London club.

Sterling’s future has been the subject of intense speculation having entered the final year of his contract at Man City.

But he has now confirmed he will depart the Etihad Stadium this summer after a glittering seven years.

Posting a video of his City highlights on Instagram, Sterling wrote in a message to the club: “Seven seasons, eleven major trophies, a lifetime of memories.

“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. 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 has enjoyed a decorated career at the Etihad Stadium, winning four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, five Carabao Cups and one Community Shield since joining Pep Guardiola’s side from Liverpool in 2015.

But the forward he has not always seen eye-to-eye with the Spanish boss, and it is widely believed he was open to leaving City this summer to have a starring role at another club, having been a victim of Guardiola’s heavy rotation.

His impending move to Chelsea will mark a return to the capital for the 27-year-old, 12 years after leaving Queens Park Rangers to join Liverpool when he was just 16 years old.

And he could make his Chelsea debut against London rivals Arsenal.

While the Blues have been linked with sensational moves for Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar this summer, former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy believes that a move for Sterling is more sensible.

Discussing potential signings, the talkSPORT host said: “I actually think that, I’ve said this many many times, I think Neymar is overrated. I’m not saying he’s a bad player, I think he’s overrated, that’s my own take on that, I’m not so sure he’d fit in at Chelsea.

“Ronaldo, there’s a part of me that’s a little bit concerned that it’s not going to be a Thomas Tuchel signing, it feels a little bit like a Todd Boehly one where he’s come in with the money and he’s getting seduced by one of the world’s greatest ever players and he’s available.

“And then there’s Sterling, which for me makes so much sense, I don’t quite know what he’s going to cost but it feels and sounds like it’s going to be a decent deal.”