Raheem Sterling pens emotional open letter to Man City ahead of Chelsea transfer

Raheem Sterling has penned an emotional tribute to Manchester City fans ahead of his £50million transfer to Premier League rivals Chelsea.

The England international, 27, is expected to be confirmed as a Chelsea player on Wednesday, ending his seven-year spell at the Etihad. Sterling made more than 300 appearances for City, winning 11 trophies - including four Premier League titles.

"Seven seasons, 11 major trophies, a lifetime of memories," wrote Sterling. "To the coaching staff who have played a massive role in my development over the years. To my teammates who have become more than just those I share a pitch with.

"To the backroom staff, 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. What a ride it's been.

"I am thankful for the ups and the downs as it's the 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."

Sterling, who started his career at Liverpool, joined City in a £49million deal in July 2015 to become the most expensive English footballer of all-time - a record that's since been surpassed by several players.

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Eyebrows were raised at the time due to the size of Sterling's price tag but he's more than repaid City. He scored 131 goals in all competitions - including 31 during the 2019-20 campaign - to become one of the finest forwards in Europe under Pep Guardiola.

Sterling has also established himself as one England's best players under Gareth Southgate, inspiring them to the final of Euro 2020 last summer. He was also part of the squad that reached the World Cup semi-final four years ago and the Nations League finals in 2019.

Sterling's City future looked in doubt for some time. He entered the final year of his contract earlier this month and City could've missed out on a transfer fee if they refused to sell him. They've recuperated all of the money they invested in him seven years ago.

Chelsea fans are excited to see Sterling in action but former player Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes they need to sign an "out and out" striker if they're to challenge for the Premier League title. The Blues finished 19 points behind champions City.

"They need a goalscorer," said Hasselbaink, who played for Chelsea between 2000 and 2004, earlier this month. "We all know about Sterling, he's a great player, a very good player, but he's not an out and out No. 9.

"If you're going to get Sterling then you still need a goalscorer with him. We all know what he can do, how good he is, how quick he is, how determined he is. Great signing, but I still think that they need a 20 plus goalscorer in their squad."