Raheem Sterling departed Chelsea by mutual consent on Wednesday, bringing an end to his miserable stint at Stamford Bridge.
Sterling had been working apart from the rest of his Chelsea teammates after failing to clinch a move during the summer transfer window.
“Raheem Sterling has today departed Chelsea Football Club by mutual agreement, bringing to an end three-and-a-half seasons as our player,” a Chelsea statement said.
“We thank Raheem for the contribution he made while a Chelsea player and wish him well for the next stage in his career.”
The 31-year-old was regarded as one of England’s top wingers when he joined Chelsea from Manchester City for £47 million ($64 million) in 2022.
However, the four-time Premier League winner’s move to west London rapidly soured as he failed to reproduce his City brilliance.
Even the resignation of Enzo Maresca, who had relegated Sterling to Chelsea’s infamous “bomb squad” of undesired players, was unable to revive the former Liverpool star’s career at Stamford Bridge.
Sterling’s season-long loan stay at Arsenal last season was a disappointment, with him struggling to break into Mikel Arteta’s team.
Sterling was reportedly separated from the rest of the Chelsea players this season, coming and departing at different times and from a different facility.
Liam Rosenior, who took over as Maresca’s manager on January 6, did not select him in any of his five matches thus far.
Sterling, who joined Chelsea during Thomas Tuchel’s tenure, last played a competitive game for the club in May 2024 and has made 81 appearances in total.
He has 18 months left on a deal for an estimated £325,000 per week.
Before the start of the season, the 82-cap England international was linked with Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen, and Fulham, but no deal was made.
He may now join any team as a free agent, even beyond Monday’s transfer deadline.
