Raheem Sterling's stint at Chelsea was marked by disappointment and frustration, as the winger struggled to find his footing in London after a successful spell at Manchester City. Despite being hailed as a marquee signing when he joined the Blues three and a half years ago, Sterling's career has taken a significant downturn since his departure from City.
The former Liverpool star had been touted as Thomas Tuchel's key player in the final third, but his time at Chelsea was marred by inconsistency and fitness issues. The arrival of Graham Potter as manager did little to address these problems, with Sterling being used out of position and struggling to adapt to the new system.
As the months went by, whispers began to circulate that Chelsea were willing to sell Sterling, and despite a brief resurgence under Mauricio Pochettino, it was clear that the winger's time at Stamford Bridge had come to an end. His final appearance for the club came in a 2-1 win over Bournemouth, with Sterling scoring but also leaving the door open for his departure.
The reality is that Sterling's time at Chelsea has been marked by failure, with the club ultimately unable to find a way to get the best out of him. The decision to end his contract by mutual consent was a pragmatic one, given the financial implications of keeping him on the books.
Despite this, there will be clubs who are willing to give Sterling another chance, provided he is willing to take a pay cut and adapt to their system. With his international career also coming to an end, it's clear that Sterling has no choice but to find new club where he can rediscover his form and make up for lost time.
Sterling's family will be crucial in any decision he makes, given the recent burglaries at his home and the fact that his son Thiago is currently developing with Arsenal. The winger must ensure that any move he makes is right for his loved ones, while also giving himself every chance of reviving his career.
Ultimately, Sterling's story is one without clear winners or losers โ Chelsea failed to get the best out of him, but he still has a chance to make amends and find success elsewhere.
The former Liverpool star had been touted as Thomas Tuchel's key player in the final third, but his time at Chelsea was marred by inconsistency and fitness issues. The arrival of Graham Potter as manager did little to address these problems, with Sterling being used out of position and struggling to adapt to the new system.
As the months went by, whispers began to circulate that Chelsea were willing to sell Sterling, and despite a brief resurgence under Mauricio Pochettino, it was clear that the winger's time at Stamford Bridge had come to an end. His final appearance for the club came in a 2-1 win over Bournemouth, with Sterling scoring but also leaving the door open for his departure.
The reality is that Sterling's time at Chelsea has been marked by failure, with the club ultimately unable to find a way to get the best out of him. The decision to end his contract by mutual consent was a pragmatic one, given the financial implications of keeping him on the books.
Despite this, there will be clubs who are willing to give Sterling another chance, provided he is willing to take a pay cut and adapt to their system. With his international career also coming to an end, it's clear that Sterling has no choice but to find new club where he can rediscover his form and make up for lost time.
Sterling's family will be crucial in any decision he makes, given the recent burglaries at his home and the fact that his son Thiago is currently developing with Arsenal. The winger must ensure that any move he makes is right for his loved ones, while also giving himself every chance of reviving his career.
Ultimately, Sterling's story is one without clear winners or losers โ Chelsea failed to get the best out of him, but he still has a chance to make amends and find success elsewhere.