The 27-year-old completed his return to London last month and made his debut in last weekend’s Premier League win at Everton, catching the eye with an impressive performance up front. He didn’t get on the scoresheet but did have one narrowly ruled out for offside and impressed onlookers with a fluid display across the front three.

While he still sees his most effective position as a winger, the England international is happy to also lead the line when required by Tuchel, who made it clear how integral he was to his plans in a phone conversation prior to his signing.

• All the stats you need ahead of Chelsea vs Spurs

• Sterling on what Tuchel wants from him

• Koulibaly looks ahead to Tottenham

‘To know what the team has done in the last couple of years and for the manager to speak to you and say you’re a part of his plans for the future, I think any player would like to hear that so it was definitely a helping hand,’ Sterling said about Tuchel’s role in his transfer.

‘From playing against Chelsea, I know what the football club stands for and of course seeing the amount of finals that the team has reached in the last couple of years.

‘They’re winning stuff and always challenging so I didn’t need much more than that to know what sort of football club I’m coming to.

‘They also have an owner who is involved in trying to set the club up to be able to challenge on all fronts every single year so that’s the main reason I came.’

Speculation intensified over the summer and Sterling was questioned heavily by his England colleagues about a possible move. It was Mason Mount who pressed his international team-mate most about the prospect and it was Mount who got one of the first calls once the deal was complete.

‘I’ve known Mase for a couple of years now and when we were with the international team he was asking if it was true,’ continued Sterling.

‘I just tried to keep as much calm in the situation as possible. It was a decision I needed to make but when I did, he was definitely one of the first that I let know.’

Sterling racked up some impressive numbers during his seven-year career at the Etihad, including doubles figures for goals in all competitions in every campaign, as well as 10 major honours.

He has also emerged as an integral part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of the World Cup this winter, yet some believe he doesn’t get the credit he deserves for such influence and accolades.

While being recognised for his achievements was something he thought about a lot more earlier in his career, Sterling admits that now his focus is firmly on what he can control.

‘It was one that at the beginning of my career, probably until I was about 24, I actually had an interest in it but to be honest I don’t really get fussed about it now,’ he added.

‘As long as I give my best and I’m still enjoying my football, which is something that I love, I’m still setting personal targets and matching those then I’m happy and content within myself. I don’t really need recognition from anybody else.’

If he’s pleasing those in the dugout and those in the stands, Sterling is more than happy to keep his head down and keep on going. A first Chelsea goal in Sunday’s derby against Tottenham would be the ideal place to start.