Raheem Sterling has said an emotional farewell to Manchester City and the club's supporters as he prepares to be announced as a Chelsea player. Sterling flew out to Los Angeles on Tuesday to join up with his new team-mates.
The statement read: "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 team-mates who have become more than just those I share a pitch with, 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.
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"What a ride it's been. I am thankful for the ups and the downs, as it's 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 completed his Chelsea medical on Sunday in London and then flew off to the United States a couple of days later. The 27-year-old is now expected to be confirmed as a Blues player in the coming hours for a fee of £45million – plus £10m in add-ons and bonuses.
The England international, who signed for City in 2015 from Liverpool for around £50m, scored 131 goals in 339 matches in all competitions for the Manchester-based club. He will become the first marquee signing of the Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital era at Chelsea.
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