Rosenior ready to ‘test myself against the best’ in tactical battle with Conte
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Sterling was previously the only remaining player in Chelsea’s so-called ‘bomb squad’ after Axel DiSasi returned to first-team training under new head coach Liam Rosenior, but the 31-year-old was released from his contract with less than a week left in the January transfer window.
A short 57-word statement released by Chelsea on Wednesday read: “Raheem Sterling has today left Chelsea Football Club by mutual agreement, bringing to an end three and a half seasons as our player, having joined us from Manchester City in the summer of 2022.”
“We would like to thank Raheem for his contribution during his time as a Chelsea player and wish him every success in the next stage of his career.”
The Blues were hoping to make the player available on a permanent basis for a fee of £47.5m when he joined from Manchester City in the summer of 2022.
However, after pursuing this desire, Sterling’s £325,000-a-week wage, on top of the transfer fee, proved too high for a suitor to cover, and both parties chose this alternative option in order to reach a mutual agreement to part ways.
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Raheem Sterling is currently a free agent and is free to speak to other clubs
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Sterling spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Arsenal, but started only seven games in the Premier League without scoring, and found the back of the net just once in 28 games in all competitions.
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Sterling spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Arsenal.
Image credit: Getty Images
Last summer, Chelsea were keen to explore further loan deals with Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen, but Sterling turned down both opportunities.
The London-raised player has previously expressed his desire to remain in the capital to be closer to family, which was a factor influencing his decision to join the Stamford Bridge club in 2022.
The move marked Todd Boley’s first major contract in his time at Clear Lake Capital, but his departure leaves his future uncertain.
Rosenior offered little explanation when asked about the situation earlier this week.
“I said what I needed to say about Raheem,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for him as a person and what he achieved in the game. This is not the right time to get into his situation.”
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