Say Farewell To Manchester City, Raheem Sterling: Memories Of A Lifetime

JAKARTA – Raheem Sterling has officially left Manchester City. He has already bid farewell to the reigning Premier League champions.

The England forward sent a farewell message to his former team-mates and club staff via his social media accounts. He left the club with one year remaining on his contract.

"I arrived in Manchester aged 20. Today, I leave as a man. Seven seasons, 11 major trophies, memories for life," he wrote, quoted by BBC Sport.

Rumors of the international player leaving City have been circulating since last season. This summer he was rumored to be close to Chelsea.

City signed Sterling from Liverpool in a £49 million deal in 2015. At City he scored 131 goals in 339 games and won four Premier League titles.

Sterling will be Chelsea's first major signing since a takeover led by Todd Boehly. He is likely to complete his move to Stamford Bridge in the next 24 hours.

"I thank you for the ups and downs for testing my strength and determination and allowing me to stand here in front of you with the best version of myself," he continued.

If it is official to Chelsea in the next few hours, Sterling will join the Chelsea squad for their pre-season tour of the United States on Saturday.

The Blues will reportedly spend 50 million pounds for City to get Sterling. The 27-year-old is rumored to be getting a five-year contract with the option of a one-year extension.