Official: Manchester city sign Sterling for €49m. After two previous bids rejected, the winger finally leaves Liverpool for the Etihad Stadium to become the most expensive English footballer of all time. This news brings to an end a long-running and highly public transfer saga. with the England international even treatening to go on strike before twice calling in sick to training in a bid to force a move away from the club, having told Brendan Rodgers of his desire to leave.