Raheem Sterling is leaving Manchester City for the same reason as he joined seven years ago: personal ambition and the belief that he can be better elsewhere.
The difference is that while he was laughed out of Anfield six years ago and mischaracterised as a money-grabbing flash-in-the-pan that could be easily replaced by a hurt Liverpool, he leaves the Etihad with a clutch of winners' medals and glorious memories after establishing himself not only as one of England's finest, but as one of the best players in City's history.
He will depart as a 'mosaic legend' as one fan brilliantly put it — not in the top tier of club greats such as Vincent Kompany or Colin Bell who have had statues commissioned outside the Etihad, but in the company of those on the rung below including Yaya Toure and Fernandinho who have a mosaic at the training ground in recognition of their contribution. Also read: Raheem Sterling set for City exit after agreeing Chelsea terms The numbers speak for themselves: a boy written off by many before he kicked a ball in blue managed 131 goals and 95 assists from 331 appearances for City.
He departs for Chelsea five assists short of becoming the first player in club history to get both 100 goals and assists, but is already one of just three footballers — Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi the other two — to score 100 goals under the greatest manager in the game in Pep Guardiola and made more appearances under the Catalan than any other Blue.