Manchester, Raheem Sterling has confirmed his Manchester City departure and said he was leaving the club as “a man”.

The 27-year-old’s £50m move to the English Premier League (EPL) rivals Chelsea is expected in the next 24 hours, BBC sports reported.

The England forward issued a heartfelt goodbye message to his former teammates and the club’s staff and fans on his social media account.

City have won 11 trophies during Sterling’s time at the club including five EFL Cups, although he did not play in the 2018 victory over Arsenal.

City signed Sterling from Liverpool in a £49m deal in 2015. He went on to score 131 goals in 339 games, winning four EPL titles.

Capped 77 times by England, Jamaica-born Sterling will become Chelsea’s first major signing since the Todd Boehly-led takeover.

Sterling will now link up with the Chelsea squad who flew out for their pre-season tour to the United States.

Source: Oman News Agency