Football News: Chelsea's Raheem Sterling reveals why he left Manchester City

Last month, the 27-year-old completed his move to Stamford Bridge in a deal for up to £50 million, ending his seven-year tenure at City.

The England international didn't hold back when describing why he left the Etihad Stadium.

Raheem Sterling has revealed why he joined Chelsea this summer, stating that he could not tolerate not being a definite starter at Manchester City during his prime years.

Sterling's illustrious seven-year stay at the Etihad Stadium ended this summer, with the forward winning every award he could save the Champions League.

However, under Pep Guardiola, the England international has dropped the pecking order after being one of the first names on the squad sheet.

Sterling cost Chelsea £47.5 million ($57 million) in July. He has already made his Blues debut, starting in their 1-0 away win over Everton on the first day of the Premier League season.

Last season, Sterling was on the bench for crucial City matches, including the Champions League semifinals against Real Madrid. The forward stated that he needed to go for more playing time.

Sterling addressed why he felt the need to leave Manchester City during a press conference to celebrate his arrival in west London.

"I just felt my time at City was getting limited on playing time for different reasons. I couldn't afford to waste more time. When I look back in the future, I didn't want to see a rise and then a decline. A fresh challenge was to be made," Sterling stated.

"Since 17, I've been regularly starting. When getting to a peak time, not playing as regular, wasn't something I would accept. I always try to fight and change the scenario. But it didn't come and that was it," Sterling continued.

Thomas Tuchel receives a message from Raheem Sterling

Despite seeing himself as primarily a winger, Raheem Sterling has stated that he is willing to play as a false nine if Thomas Tuchel believes that is where he will be most productive for Chelsea.

Chelsea, of course, is without a traditional striker after loaning Romelu Lukaku and selling Timo Werner. Sterling may have to adjust to leading the line despite his preference for playing on the wing.

"As you all know, my position is mainly as a winger," he answered in a presser on Thursday. "Some of the time I enjoy floating about and getting on the ball. But I always judge myself on how effective I am on the games, so it depends on where I'm going to be most effective at the moment."

Although Sterling has moved to Chelsea, he may still have the opportunity to meet his former teammates.

Sterling will have to wait a while before reuniting with his former Manchester City teammates if they are not drawn against each other in the Carabao Cup.

Chelsea is scheduled to meet Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on 2 January, with the rematch set for 20 May - each side's penultimate Premier League fixture.

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