Raheem Sterling has left Chelsea by mutual consent, ending a difficult spell at Stamford Bridge after failing to revive his career following his move from Man City

Raheem Sterling has officially left Chelsea by mutual consent, bringing an end to a troubled three-and-a-half-year spell at Stamford Bridge for the former England forward.

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Chelsea confirmed Sterling’s departure in a statement on Wednesday, thanking the winger for his service and wishing him well in the next phase of his career. The decision follows months of uncertainty over Sterling’s future after he failed to secure a move during the summer transfer window.

The Raheem Sterling Chelsea exit closes the chapter on a move that once promised much but ultimately delivered little.

Sterling joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a £47 million deal in 2022, arriving as one of England’s most accomplished wide players and a four-time Premier League winner.

However, his time in west London quickly unravelled as he struggled to reproduce the form that had made him a key figure at City.

Managers came and went, but Sterling’s fortunes did not improve, even after Enzo Maresca, who had placed him among the club’s unwanted players, departed the club.

A season-long loan spell at Arsenal last term failed to revive his career, with Sterling unable to establish himself as a regular in Mikel Arteta’s side.

Back at Chelsea, his situation worsened, with reports indicating he trained separately from the main squad and followed a different daily routine from his team-mates.

New Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior, appointed on January 6, did not include Sterling in any of his first five matches in charge, underlining the winger’s peripheral status at the club.

Sterling last featured competitively for Chelsea in May 2024, ending his spell with 81 appearances. He still had 18 months remaining on a lucrative contract reportedly worth £325,000 per week.

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The 82-cap England international had been linked with clubs including Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen and Fulham, but no transfer materialised before the deadline. With his Chelsea contract now terminated, Sterling is free to join a new club as a free agent.