Raheem Sterling has officially left Chelsea by mutual agreement, bringing an end to his three-and-a-half years at the club.
Sterling had been training away from the rest of the squad after failing to secure a move during the summer transfer window.
Chelsea confirmed the decision in a club statement, saying:
“Raheem Sterling has today departed Chelsea Football Club by mutual agreement, bringing to an end three-and-a-half seasons as our player.”
“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 joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 2022 for £47 million and was seen as one of England’s top wingers at the time.
However, the four-time Premier League winner struggled to match his form from City, and his situation worsened after being placed in the club’s group of unwanted players.
A season-long loan at Arsenal last year failed to revive his career, with Sterling unable to secure a regular place under Mikel Arteta.
He was kept separate from the Chelsea squad this season, using different facilities and arrival times, and was not selected in any of Liam Rosenior’s five matches since taking charge on January 6.
Sterling last played a competitive match for Chelsea in May 2024, finishing with 81 appearances for the club. He had 18 months remaining on a deal reportedly worth £325,000 per week.
Linked with Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen and Fulham earlier in the season, no move materialised. Sterling is now free to join any club as a free agent, even after Monday’s transfer deadline.