Raheem Sterling pens emotional open letter to Man City supporters after Chelsea switch

Raheem Sterling has penned an emotional open letter to Manchester City supporters after ending his seven-year stay at the club.

The England international will go down as one of City’s greatest players in the modern era, having scored 131 goals in 339 games and he sits second behind Sergio Aguero for the most Premier League strikes with 91 in all.

Sterling is also the club’s second highest scorer in European football with 24 Champions League goals.

However, he has swapped the blue of City for Chelsea after completing a £47.5million switch to Stamford Bridge.

And reflecting on his time at The Etihad, after signing from Liverpool in 2015, he said in an open letter to fans: “Seven seasons, eleven major trophies, a lifetime of memories.

“To 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.

“What a ride it’s been.

“I am thankful for the ups and the downs. As 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.

“I arrived in Manchester a 20-year-old. Today, I leave as a man.

“Thank you for your endless support. It’s been an honour to wear the shirt of Manchester City.”

pic.twitter.com/3bFDyU5E03

— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) July 13, 2022

Begiristain pays tribute to Sterling

City’s director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “Raheem has been a wonderful servant for Manchester City. He leaves our club on the best terms possible having helped us win yet another Premier League title.

“He has played a very important part of the successes we’ve had in recent seasons. And his dignity on and off the field has been an inspiration to many.

“He will be forever part of Manchester City and we wish him well in the next chapter of his career and he departs knowing he will always be welcomed at this football club.”

READ MORE: Arsenal join Tottenham, Man City in race for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol amid William Saliba doubt