Raheem Sterling completed his transfer to Chelsea from Manchester City on Wednesday and was straight into training with his new teammates in LA. The England star signed a five-year deal as the Blues paid £45 million to Manchester City for the winger's services.
The 27-year-old wants to 'make history' with Chelsea, having left the Etihad Stadium after winning 11 trophies in his seven years with the club. Sterling racked up 131 goals and 94 assists in his 337 appearances for the Premier League champions.
Thomas Tuchel confirmed that the former Liverpool ace was his number one priority for the transfer window. Seeing the reaction of some of Chelsea's stars, it is easy to see why.
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Reece James has faced off against Sterling in his career and is relieved he no longer has to do so. Chelsea's star wing-back admitted that his new teammate was a nightmare to play against.
James said: "Playing against him is a nightmare, so I'm pretty happy that he's here now, and I don't need to play against him anymore!
"The way he plays, he's so small and sharp. He looks small, but you don't realise how strong he is. He never stops and is always trying to run in behind and stuff. I remember he had a good game in the Champions League final. It was an even battle - he beat me a few times, and I won duels a few times as well, so it was a tough game between us."
Mason Mount is similarly under no illusion over how good Sterling is. The 22-year-old highlighted the new Chelsea signing's work off the ball.
"It's very tough when you play against him. You can see by the numbers and what he's done in his career, especially from a young age, that he demands a lot from himself. That's someone that we want around this group and someone we want to come in. He's definitely going to add to us.
"I know Raz pretty well, and I've been lucky enough to play with him for the last couple of years with England. He's scored a lot, and he creates a lot because he's dangerous anytime he has the ball.
"When he doesn't have the ball, he's a massive threat, so for him to now be with us, we're delighted. We're buzzing to play with him. He's going to bring a lot to the group, so it's exciting times."
With the departure of Antonio Rudiger and uncertain futures surrounding the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta, N'Golo Kante and Jorginho, Thomas Tuchel's leaders may not have long at the club. In Chelsea's targets so far, its clear leadership qualities have been a crucial part of establishing the players Todd Boehly has moved for.
Mount believes that Sterling will help push the high standards demanded at Chelsea and that he will be able to learn from the winger's character, having already done so on international duty.
He said: "He's someone that I've got to know more and more over the last few years. The way he is as a person and the way he is on the pitch, he's someone who demands the highest level from himself and the players around him.
"He's been a leader and captain a few times when I've played, so he's someone that I've definitely learned a lot from, being that close to him.
"He has plenty of years left in him to win stuff and to keep pushing his level. For me to be around him a bit with England and to see how many caps he's got, also as captain of the side a few times.
"He's someone I've learned off and will continue to learn from the leadership side."
James suggested that the new Blues star will not always be loud, but what he brings can not be mistaken. The former Wigan loanee added: "He can be quiet, and he can be loud as well, but he's great to be around and a top guy off the pitch. He will bring good energy.
"On the pitch, I don't really need to talk too much about what he does. He's been at the top of the Premier League for the past ten years, and he's won a number of titles, so hopefully, he can help bring some special moments to us as well."
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