Tuchel Hails $56M Star, Says 'He Should Shape Chelsea By Being Who He Is'

KEY POINTS

Raheem Sterling moved from Man City to Chelsea this summer
Sterling spent seven seasons at the Etihad Stadium side
Chelsea signed Sterling on a five-year contract

Thomas Tuchel has heaped praise on Chelsea's new signing Raheem Sterling ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

Chelsea signed Sterling for $56 million from Manchester City as the English forward was Tuchel's No. 1 priority in the summer window. Sterling, who has joined The Blues on their pre-season tour of the United States, has signed a five-year contract with an option to further extend it by another 12 months.

In a recent interview, Tuchel called Sterling "a huge asset" for Chelsea, who lost two finals last season, both to Liverpool (FA Cup and League Cup). While Sterling won the Premier League with Manchester City, Chelsea finished third in the title race.

"Hopefully he shapes our team by just being who he is. He will be a huge asset for us. For me, he is a huge player, with a huge influence in the last years in English football and he's in a perfect age to now take responsibility around young players that we have and be an example," Tuchel to BBC Sport.

Sterling moved from Liverpool to Manchester City in the summer of 2015 and spent seven seasons with the Etihad side. He scored 131 goals and provided 95 assists in 339 competitive appearances for Pep Guardiola's side and played a key role in them winning many trophies over the years, including three league titles.

"Getting what he delivered for years given his age, his hunger for responsibility, and his style of play and his amount of intensity is outstanding. It is the benchmark in the Premier League and is exactly what we need," added Tuchel.

England international Raheem Sterling became Chelsea's first signing since Todd Boehly's consortium bought the club ending his successful spell at Manchester City AFP / Paul ELLIS

Meanwhile, Chelsea right-back Reece James also hailed his compatriot Sterling.

"He can be quiet and he can be loud as well but he's great to be around and a top guy off the pitch. He will bring good energy," James told Chelsea's official website.

Chelsea are scheduled to play against Arsenal in the Florida Cup later this month. Tuchel's side will kick-start their 2022-23 Premier League campaign by taking on Everton at Goodison Park on Aug. 6.