Chelsea, on Wednesday, announced that winger Raheem Sterling has left the club following an agreement to terminate his contract at Stamford Bridge, ending a months-long saga about the player’s future.
“Raheem Sterling has today departed Chelsea Football Club by mutual agreement, bringing to an end three-and-a-half seasons as our player, having signed in the summer of 2022 when he was transferred from Manchester City,” Chelsea said in a statement.
Chelsea added, “We thank Raheem for the contribution he made while a Chelsea player and wish him well for the next stage in his career.”
Sterling’s contract at Chelsea was originally set to expire in June 2027, but the agreement between both parties would allow the player to sign for a new club as a free agent after he was frozen out of the first team squad under former coach Enzo Maresca and his replacement, Liam Rosenoir.
The 31-year-old had not played for Chelsea for over 18 months after spending the whole of last season on loan at Arsenal. He was immediately relegated to the infamous ‘bomb squad’ alongside other unwanted players by Maresca upon his return to Stamford Bridge.