Chelsea have officially announced their separation from Sterling, terminating his contract a year and a half early.

2026-01-29 06:25

Chelsea officially announced on Wednesday that they have prematurely terminated the contract of England winger Raheem Sterling, which was originally set to expire in June 2027. The statement read: "We thank Raheem for his contributions during his time at Chelsea and wish him all the best for the next stage of his career."

Sterling later responded on his Instagram story: "All eyes are on the future. God is great."

Raheem Sterling's form has been inconsistent since joining Chelsea in July 2022, contributing only 19 goals and 15 assists in 81 appearances. His last appearance for the Blues was on May 19, 2024, in the final Premier League match against Bournemouth, where he scored a goal.

Last season, Sterling attempted to regain his former form through a loan spell. He made 28 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, but only managed one goal and five assists.

It is widely believed that Sterling's departure will benefit both parties: as Chelsea's highest-paid player (over £300,000 per week), his departure will help the club save a considerable amount of money. For the player himself, who was unwilling to accept a loan arrangement, being a free agent will provide him with more options in finding a new club.

As for Sterling's future destination, it remains unknown. According to Sky Sports chief correspondent Kavi Solkhkel, Sterling is open to playing in other leagues. Serie A powerhouse Napoli is widely considered a potential destination, and there are also reports that Premier League giants such as Fulham, Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Brentford, and Newcastle United are interested in him.

Despite his struggles at Chelsea, Sterling's extensive Premier League experience is undeniable. Before joining Chelsea, he played for Liverpool and Manchester City, making 468 appearances, scoring 154 goals and providing 104 assists, winning four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, five League Cups, and one Community Shield.

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