FILE - Manchester City's Raheem Sterling celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the game during the English FA Cup third round soccer match between Manchester City and Rotherham United at Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019. Sterling is edging closer to a move to Chelsea as he bids farewell to Manchester City. Sterling is on the cusp of completing a transfer of around $60 million to City's Premier League rival. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira, File)
The Associated Press
MANCHESTER, England (AP) - Chelsea completed the signing of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City on Wednesday, with the winger signing a five-year deal.
Sterling earlier bid farewell to City after seven seasons in Manchester that included four Premier League titles. His transfer to Chelsea was reportedly worth 47.5 million pounds ($56.5 million) and boosts the London club's attacking options after striker Romelu Lukaku returned to Inter Milan on loan.
"Raheem Sterling is a serial winner and his signing is an important step in strengthening our squad, Todd Boehly, Chelsea's new co-controlling owner and chairman, said in a statement.
Sterling had already flown out to Los Angeles to join up with Chelsea on its preseason tour and sign the new deal.
The England attacking midfielder posted an emotional message on social media, along with a video of highlights of his time at City.
'œSeven seasons, eleven major trophies, a lifetime of memories,'ť it read. 'œTo 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.
'œWhat a ride it's been.'ť
Sterling joined City from Liverpool in 2015 for a fee of nearly 50 million pounds, making him then the most expensive English player of all time.
The 27-year-old Sterling helped City to win four league titles and scored 131 goals in 339 games across all competitions. He was in-and-out of the team last season and did not start either leg of the Champions League semifinal loss to Real Madrid or the Premier League title-clincher against Aston Villa on the final day.
'œI am thankful for the ups and the downs,'ť Sterling added in his post. 'œAs 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.
'œI arrived in Manchester a 20-year-old, today, I leave as a man.'ť
___
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
FILE Manchester City's Raheem Sterling, centre, celebrates with Bernardo Silva after scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019. Sterling is edging closer to a move to Chelsea as he bids farewell to Manchester City. Sterling is on the cusp of completing a transfer of around $60 million to City's Premier League rival. (AP Photo/Jon Super, File)
The Associated Press
FILE - Manchester City's Raheem Sterling lifts the trophy after the English Community Shield soccer match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019. Sterling is edging closer to a move to Chelsea as he bids farewell to Manchester City. Sterling is on the cusp of completing a transfer of around $60 million to City's Premier League rival. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)
The Associated Press
FILE - Manchester City's manager Pep Guardiola, right, speaks with Manchester City's Raheem Sterling after the English FA Cup soccer match between Manchester City and Huddersfield Town at the Etihad stadium in Manchester, Wednesday, March 1, 2017. Sterling is edging closer to a move to Chelsea as he bids farewell to Manchester City. Sterling is on the cusp of completing a transfer of around $60 million to City's Premier League rival. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson, File)
The Associated Press
FILE - Manchester City's Raheem Sterling celebrates after scoring during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Watford at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, Saturday Aug. 29, 2015. Sterling is edging closer to a move to Chelsea as he bids farewell to Manchester City. Sterling is on the cusp of completing a transfer of around $60 million to City's Premier League rival. (AP Photo/Jon Supee, File)
The Associated Press