Raheem Sterling Officially Joins Manchester City

After a transfer saga that lasted well over a month and threatened to last even longer was resolved, Raheem Sterling as finally unveiled as a Manchester City player earlier today. The 20-year-old agreed a five-year contract with the Blues whose terms were undisclosed. Sterling's signing breaks the former MCFC transfer record of £38 million pounds spent in the signing of Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid in 2011.

Sterling expressed excitement about joining the club:

"It's a good feeling and this is really happy time for me and my family," said Sterling. "I'm just glad it's all over and done with and I can't wait to get on the training field.

"The thing that excites me the most is the world class squad we have and knowing we have a team that is capable of winning things year in, year out. The more quality players that are around you, the more quality it brings out in you so I can't wait to get started and play alongside them.

"I'd like to thank Rafa Benitez for taking me to Liverpool as a 15 year-old - that was a massive step for me and a new challenge. Also to Kenny Dalglish for showing such faith in me and putting me in at such a young age.

"I want to thank Brendan Rodgers for giving me a chance and an opportunity in the first team, giving me my full debut - against City funnily enough - and giving me a real chance to cement a place in the first team and show the world my talents.

"Finally, I'd also like to thank all the people around me - my mum and sisters, my management team and Aidy Ward for helping me focus and get where I am today. I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone."

Sterling's arrival was lauded by Manager Manuel Pellegrini who said the following:

"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."

Pellegrini has certainly gotten a good look at Sterling in the past. In Sterling's last Liverpool appearance against Manchester City, he set up both goals in a 2-1 Reds win just over four months ago in early March. The £44 million pound transfer fee is the largest that has been paid for an English player moving within the Premier League in history. Sterling will wear number kit number 7 with the club.