Lack of playing time seems to be the main reason for his departure.

Raheem Sterling revealed his reason for leaving Manchester City as not wanting to accept less playing time. His move to Chelsea ended a seven-year stint in Man. City.

Wanting more minutes on the field, Sterling watched as he found himself on the bench for City's important matches last season including the Champions League semifinal.

In a news conference on Thursday, he commented: “As a person, you strive to achieve. I felt my playing time at City was being limited for different reasons and I couldn't afford to waste time.

“When I look back I didn't want to see a decline and I want to keep that level.”

He added that: “Since the age of 17, I have been a regular starter. But to get to a peak time in my career and be playing as a regular was something I didn't want to accept. I tried to fight and change the scenario but it didn't come.”

His Premier League debut with Chelsea ended in a 1-0 win at Everton.

Sterling continued: “At first, I had a few options but this was the one that was tailor-made for my personal goals. It made a lot of sense for my family and with the direction of the club.

“They have been in four or five finals in the last few years and it made a lot of sense.”

He noted that he did have a lot of fond memories during his time with Manchester City. It could be that a change of scenery was needed after spending so much time with a team.

He said: “I have a lot of memories and top moments at City but in the year and a bit that I was in and out of the team it made me value a lot of things.”

Chelsea and Sterling will face Tottenham on Sunday.