Raheem Sterling has joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a deal worth $60 million. The England forward was Thomas Tuchel’s top attacking target and both clubs were never too far apart in valuation making for relatively smooth negotiations. The 27-year-old Sterling did, however, take his time to decide – a sensible approach given his age and knowing just how important the decision would be to his career, especially in a World Cup year.
Considering this, the role of both American chairman and minority owner Todd Boehly and Tuchel in swaying him to leave Manchester City shouldn’t be underestimated. Sterling appreciated the ample time Boehly gave him to make up his mind and was impressed by how approachable the Los Angeles Dodgers minority owner was. Tuchel outlined in meticulous detail Sterling’s role in the team as a left-sided forward (his preferred role), and he was both sold and excited following his chat with the Chelsea boss.
Sterling told City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, that he wanted a fresh challenge. And although Begiristain ideally wanted him to stay, the arrivals of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez meant City were never going to stand in Sterling’s way – especially not with just one year left on his contract and a healthy offer incoming.
From Sterling’s perspective, sources tell CBS Sports he wants to play every week – especially in a World Cup year – and believes he can put himself in the Ballon d’Or conversation by moving to Stamford Bridge.
Sterling joined his new teammates in Los Angeles on Wednesday, just in time for their trip to Las Vegas, where Chelsea play Club America on Saturday in their first preseason friendly.
There is excitement in the Chelsea dressing room at his arrival with two of his England teammates, Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount , viewing Sterling as a statement signing.
What will Sterling bring?
Sterling is a proven goal scorer…
Source : cbssports
