Raheem Sterling, seven years of legacy at Manchester City

It was Raheem Sterling himself who made official what was an open secret: his farewell as a Manchester City player. The English left the Etihad after seven seasons in which he has earned the status of legend and has left his mark on the present success of the entity. "Eleven trophies, a lifetime of memories," the player defined in his farewell message. It will not be easy to forget his 131 goals as a ‘Citizen'.

Sterling signed as a new Chelsea player until 2027. The transfer paid by the 'Blues' is around 65 million euros, between fixed and variable. The challenge of Stamford Bridge will be his third experience in a big Premier League after his time at Liverpool, the club where he was formed until his arrival at City in the summer of 2015. The transfer fee paid for him earned him the status of being the most expensive English footballer at the time, before Sancho, Maguire or Grealish would arrive years later.

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The Englishman wanted to leave in writing his thanks to Manchester City for the years of success and his projection as a footballer from the age of 20 to 27. "I leave being a man," writes the player in his statement. "What a journey it has been," he explains.

The England international thanked the coaches, members of the 'staff', teammates and fans who accompanied him during his time in Manchester: "My respect for all of you could not be greater." "I am grateful for the ups and downs, moments when I could test my strength and give the best version of me in front of all of you," he confessed. Sterling leaves as the club's second all-time top scorer behind 'Kun' Agüero, who tops the list with 259 goals.

4 Premier League titles, 1 FA Cup, 5 EFL Cups and 2 Community Shields. Moments such as his assist to Gündogan in the first goal of the historic comeback against Aston Villa or his 30 goals in the 19/20 season are examples of a legacy that will remain framed in the club's history.

No more room for him in City

The arrival of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez to the team have closed the doors of the starting line-up with Guardiola. Last season he played a less important role despite his 17 goals and 8 assists. Whether he has had more or less minutes, he has always responded with goals. That can not be reproached, and in turn could be a blessing for Chelsea.