India, Jan. 30 -- Raheem Sterling left Chelsea by mutual consent on Wednesday, bringing a premature end to his time at the Premier League club three-and-a-half years after a $56.5 million move that failed to live up to expectations. Sterling, whose contract was due to expire in 2027, joined from Manchester City in 2022 as a serial title-winner but ended up an outcast - last playing for the club in May 2024. "We thank Raheem for the contribution he made while a Chelsea player and wish him well for the next stage in his career," Chelsea said in a brief statement.

The 31-year-old Sterling won 10 major trophies with City, including five Premier League titles. He was expected to help lead Chelsea to trophies but made only 45 league starts. He...