Sterling agrees to Chelsea’s departure after a difficult period

Raheem Sterling left Chelsea by mutual consent on Wednesday as the former England striker finally ended his nightmare at Stamford Bridge.

Sterling has been training away from the rest of his Chelsea teammates after failing to secure a move during the summer transfer window.

“Raheem Sterling has today parted ways with Chelsea Football Club by mutual consent, ending three and a half seasons as our player,” a Chelsea statement said.

“We thank Raheem for the contribution he has made as a Chelsea player and wish him all the best for the next phase of his career.”

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The 31-year-old was considered one of England’s leading wingers when he joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022 on a £47 million ($64 million) contract.

But the four-time Premier League winner’s move to west London quickly turned sour as he failed to replicate his City form.

Even the departure of Enzo Maresca, who sent Sterling to the so-called ‘bomb squad’ of unwanted Chelsea players, failed to revive the former Liverpool star’s career at Stamford Bridge.

A season-long loan spell at Arsenal last season was a disappointment, with Sterling struggling to break into Mikel Arteta’s side.

Sterling was reportedly kept separate from the rest of the Chelsea players this season, arriving and departing for the squad at a different time and using a different building.

Liam Rosenior, hired as Maresca’s successor on January 6, has not picked him in any of the five games he has been in charge so far.

Sterling, who was signed as Chelsea manager during Thomas Tuchel’s reign, last played for the club in a competitive match in May 2024, making a total of 81 appearances.

He had 18 months left on a contract worth a reported £325,000 per week.

The man scored 82 times for England and was linked with Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen and Fulham before the start of this season, but a transfer never materialized.

He can now join any club as a free agent, even after Monday’s transfer deadline.

Published on January 28, 2026