Raheem Sterling left Chelsea by mutual consent on Wednesday, finally bringing an end to a nightmare spell at Stamford Bridge for the former England forward.
Sterling had been training away from the rest of the squad after failing to secure a move during the summer transfer window.
“Raheem Sterling has today departed Chelsea Football Club by mutual agreement, bringing to an end three-and-a-half seasons as our player,” Chelsea said in a statement.
“We thank Raheem for the contribution he made while a Chelsea player and wish him well for the next stage in his career.”
The 31-year-old was regarded as one of England’s leading wingers when he joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a £47 million deal in 2022. His move to west London quickly turned sour as he failed to replicate his form from the Etihad.
Even the departure of Enzo Maresca, who had consigned Sterling to Chelsea’s so-called “bomb squad” of unwanted players — failed to revive his fortunes at the club.
A season-long loan spell at Arsenal last term proved equally disappointing, with Sterling struggling to break into Mikel Arteta’s side.
This season, Sterling was reportedly kept separate from the main Chelsea group, arriving and leaving at different times and using a separate training facility. New head coach Liam Rosenior, appointed on January 6, did not select him in any of his five matches in charge.
Signed during Thomas Tuchel’s reign, Sterling last featured in a competitive match for Chelsea in May 2024. He leaves having made 81 appearances for the club, with 18 months remaining on a contract reportedly worth £325,000 per week.
The 82-cap England international had been linked with Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen and Fulham, but no move materialised. He is now free to join any club as a free agent, even after Monday’s transfer deadline.
