Raheem Sterling on reasons for leaving Man City and joining Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel's influence and his best role

Raheem Sterling has extensively outlined why he left Manchester City to join Chelsea in a £47.5 million transfer this summer.

Sterling, 27, arrived from Man City in June following a £47.5 million agreement, which saw him sign a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

He has already made his debut for the club, starting for Chelsea against Everton in their 2022/23 Premier League season opener at Goodison Park last weekend which ended in a 1-0 win.

It was a big move as he enters the prime years of his career, and Thomas Tuchel will be keen to get the best out of the England international.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel greets Chelsea's Raheem Sterling following the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool. (Alamy)

What Raheem Sterling said during his first press conference since becoming a Chelsea player

Leaving Man City

"I just felt my time at City was getting limited on playing time for different reasons. I couldn't afford to waste time. A fresh challenge was to be made.

"Since 17, been regularly starting. When getting to a peak time, not playing as regular, wasn't something I'd accept.

"It's a lot of memories and top moments. The year and a bit where I was in and out of the team, I learned a lot about myself. A lot happens for a reason. It was difficult, but those things you have to make decisions which are best for yourself and family.

"With the game-time being limited, I'm 27, I know my standards and what I bring, I won't accept anything less."

Joining Chelsea

"With the options I had, it was one that tailor made for my personal goals, family it makes a lot of sense, and the direction the club is going in. It's a team who shows they are competing and only going to get better. It made a lot of sense.

"My full journey going up to Liverpool, then City - living the dream, and coming back to London as a grown adult, I've got my head on my shoulders. It's a perfect time to have a new challenge.

"Knowing the (Chelsea) boys from England, they are a really top bunch of lads. It made the transition a lot easier, to fit right in."

"I'm excited by the the opportunity to showcase my talent. Growing up a bit, off the field, inside the changing room, it's a developing side of me which I'd like to see a lot more, to drive the team on."

Raheem Sterling on his Chelsea debut. (Alamy)

Preferred/best position

"My position is mainly as a winger. Some of the time I enjoy floating about and getting the ball. I judge myself on where I can affect a game."

Pre-season and facing Spurs

"It's a tough first couple of fixtures. It's one where we can test ourselves.

"Pre-season was an up and down one in terms of results and what the manager wanted, but pre-season isn't real and we try to build on that. The energy and unity, when you can really feel that going into games, I'm really optimistic."

Helping youngsters

"I always, no matter how old you are, it's always good to nurture younger people whatever profession. You always want an environment where they can flourish. It makes camps more relaxing."

On abuse suffered in 2018

"That's the first time I've remembered it (abuse suffered previously). It hasn't played on my mind at all. I can't let an incident from individuals change my perception on the club."

What Thomas Tuchel said to him

"He said to me, my directness, threatening in behind. Most importantly, how I attack the box, with the full-backs we have here, he wants to see a lot more."

Topics: Raheem Sterling, Chelsea, Football

Matthew Debono

Owner/Lead of Absolute Chelsea. Featured on Forbes and 90min.

@MattDebonoAC