Mason Mount believes that Raheem Sterling will bring valuable leadership and experience to the Chelsea squad following his transfer from Manchester City.
Sterling has been confirmed as the first arrival of the Todd Boehly era at Chelsea, signing a five-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months, worth £300,000 per week at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have agreed to pay City up to £50million, including add-ons, for the 27-year-old forward.
After undergoing a medical in London over the weekend, Sterling has now flown out to Los Angeles to meet up with his new team-mates on their pre-season tour. Sterling has scored 131 goals in 337 appearances for City over the past seven years and joins Thomas Tuchel’s side with a wealth of experience to draw upon.
That is one of the major attractions for Mount, who knows Sterling from England duty and is hugely excited to play alongside him in the blue of Chelsea. “Top, top guy. Obviously such an experienced player and a top-class professional,” he told Sky Sports News.
“I have been lucky to play with him over the last couple of years with England, where he has captained the team at times. He is someone who has been there for a very long time. He is a top player and I have learnt a lot off him over the last couple of years.
“For him to be joining us is only going to bring our levels higher. He is definitely someone who strives for high levels and win. We want those players around this group and we want to keep striving for that. I am very excited to see him and for him to be here.”
HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Raheem Sterling a good fit for Chelsea? Comment below.
![](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article27464816.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_GettyImages-1393274992.jpg)
Chelsea lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers at the end of June and Mount believes the addition of Sterling will come as a boost on and off the pitch. Asked if Sterling will bring leadership qualities to the team, Mount replied: “Definitely, we have lost a few that are leaders.
“He is coming in and will definitely be someone that is gonna lead and be a big presence and personality within the group. Hopefully we can win some things together.” Sterling certainly has pedigree when it comes to winning trophies, having scooped four Premier League titles, the FA Cup and five League Cups during his time with City.
"First and foremost, it’s a pleasure to be here,” he said. "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.
"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.”