England international Raheem Sterling has completed his big-money move to Manchester City from Liverpool.

The 20-year-old, who will wear the number seven shirt, has become the club's record signing and the most expensive English footballer after sealing a move which will be worth up to £49million.

A statement released on the club's official website, www.mcfc.co.uk, said: "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."

 

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News of Sterling's departure from Anfield was also confirmed by Liverpool in an announcement on their official website, www.liverpoolfc.com.

It said: "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."