LONDON (AP) – Raheem Sterling left Chelsea by mutual consent on Wednesday, bringing an early end to his three-and-a-half year spell at the Premier League club. $56.5 million transfer It did not meet expectations.
Sterling, whose contract expires in 2027, joined from Manchester City in 2022 as a back-to-back title winner, but was ultimately unsuccessful and last played for the club in May 2024.
Chelsea said in a short statement: “We would like to thank Raheem for his contribution during his time as a Chelsea player and wish him the best in the next stage of his career.”
Sterling, 31, has won 10 major trophies with City, including five Premier League titles.
He was expected to help Chelsea win trophies, but he only started 45 league games. He has scored 14 goals but has not featured for Chelsea this season.
Sterling spent last season on loan at Arsenal, but only scored one goal for Mikel Arteta’s side before returning to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
Sterling started his career at Queen’s Park Rangers, joined Liverpool and then moved to City in 2015.
He was part of the England squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and finished runners-up at the 2021 European Championship.
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
