Forward Raheem Sterling has left Chelsea by mutual consent, the club have confirmed.

It brings to an end a long-running saga over his future, having been training separately in the Blues’ so-called ‘bomb squad’ since his return from loan at London rivals Arsenal in the summer.

It was reported earlier on Wednesday that the club had been exploring a range of options for the 31-year-old to leave during the January transfer window.

Chelsea’s preference had been to sell Sterling, but all exit options were complicated by his £325,000‑a‑week wages – the highest at Stamford Bridge.

The England international joined in the summer of 2022 for £47.5m from Manchester City, becoming the first marquee signing of the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital era, and signed a five-year deal.

He went on to make 81 appearances across all competitions, scoring 19 goals and providing 15 assists. But he was not included in former Blues boss Enzo Maresca’s plans when he replaced Mauricio Pochettino and has not featured in a competitive game for Chelsea since the final day of the 2023-24 season.

With Axel Disasi reintegrated into first-team training under new head coach Liam Rosenior, Sterling was the last remaining player to be training away from the squad.

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