Kevin De Bruyne led the Manchester City players wishing Raheem Sterling well after the winger completed his move to Chelsea.
With City having bolstered their fearsome attack with the additions of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, Sterling has joined Gabriel Jesus in heading for pastures new – both men moving to London.
Whereas Jesus has gone to Arsenal, Sterling has made for the west side of the capital, joining Chelsea in a deal reportedly worth £45million.
The England forward has signed a five-year deal with Chelsea, who were in need of another attacker after loaning Romelu Lukaku back to Inter less than a year after his return to Stamford Bridge for a club-record fee.
Sterling scored 17 goals in all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s team last season, a tally only bettered by Riyad Mahrez (24) and De Bruyne (19), who was among those City players to use their social media channels to congratulate the 27-year-old.
Blue is the colour! 🔵#SterlingIsChelsea pic.twitter.com/l7b8U7WmIh
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 13, 2022
“We came seven years ago together to this club to win trophies together and play good football and we achieved that,” De Bruyne posted on Instagram.
“Was a pleasure to play with you. Wishing you all the best in future bro @sterling7.”
Sterling replied: “Was a pleasure bro.”
Jack Grealish, City’s record signing, posted a good luck message to his fellow England international to his Instagram story.
Riyad Mahrez wrote “countless memories, will miss you brother” on his Instagram story, while Aymeric Laporte also uploaded a post.
Sterling leaves City having made at least 46 appearances in each of his seven seasons at the club, scoring a total of 91 Premier League goals.
