Why I left Manchester City for Chelsea – Raheem Sterling finally reveals
Raheem Sterling has disclosed that his decision to join Chelsea in west London was motivated by the task of leading Chelsea to the top of the Premier League. Additionally, the Englishman lauded Thomas Tuchel and asserted that the German manager desired to have him play for Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City reportedly paid Chelsea £50 million to acquire Sterling. The 27-year-old became the club’s first male player under new owner Todd Boehly after agreeing to a five-year contract.
However, Sterling discussed his fascination with the Blues’ recent development in an interview with Chelsea TV. He stated:
“Seeing in the last two years it’s four or five finals that you guys have been in, the progress, you won the Champions League and are now looking to challenge for the Premier League, it’s something that intrigued me when I was having a conversation with the club.”
“Seeing the direction that you guys are going in, it’s something I really bought into and I just felt it is a place where I can really come into my own.”
He also talked about the importance of a winning mentality at a club and added:
“I just think it’s the perfect platform for me. The club’s already got that winning mentality but to keep doing it every single year and keep winning more and more trophies and building on the previous season, I think that’s what top managers like Thomas [Tuchel] do.”
“It’s not one year win and next year rest, it’s again and again and again and that’s what excites me to be here.”
Raheem Sterling also talked about how a conversation with Thomas Tuchel informed his decision to join Chelsea. He explained:
“You can see how genuine [Tuchel] was and how much he wanted me here, and that was the nail on it for me. I was certain that this is a place I want to be.”