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.
