Sterling completes record-breaking City switch
Raheem Sterling has completed his big-money move to Manchester City from Liverpool. The 20-year-old, who will wear the No7 shirt, has become the club's record signing and the most expensive English footballer after sealing a move which will be worth up to £49m.
A statement released on City's official website read: "Manchester City are delighted to announce Raheem Sterling has joined the club on a five-year deal. The 20-year-old England international's transfer is a club-record fee for an English player and he also becomes City's record signing."
The announcement came on Tuesday evening after Sterling had passed a medical and completed the remaining formalities of the deal, and he will fly out to meet up with his new team-mates in Australia within the next 24 hours. Manager Manuel Pellegrini was delighted to finally get his hands on the player after a prolonged pursuit.
He said: "Raheem Sterling is one of the best attacking players in world football, and I am very much looking forward to him joining our squad out in Australia later this week. He is a young player with outstanding ability and I am sure the Manchester City fans will be very excited about seeing him in action for the team."
Best wishes from Anfield
News of Sterling's departure from Anfield was also confirmed by Liverpool in an announcement on their official website.
It read: "Liverpool Football Club can confirm Raheem Sterling has completed a transfer to Manchester City. The 20-year-old departs Anfield after 129 appearances and 23 goals for the Reds. Liverpool FC wishes Raheem well."