Daniel Sturridge Bio Send To Friend  

Sturridge left Manchester City when his contract expired in July 1, headed to Chelsea. The fee was decided by tribunal after the two clubs failed to agree on a fee, with the player ineligible for a Bosman free transfer as he was aged just 19.

City boss Mark Hughes was eager to keep hold of the striker, but Sturridge wanted to move after making just three Premier League starts in 2008-09. Whether he will play more at Stamford Bridge is doubtful.

He actually began his career with Aston Villa before moving to Coventry City at the age of 12. He was snapped up by Manchester City in 2003 for £30,000, rising to a possible £200,000.

Sturridge, nephew to former pros Dean and Simon, first appeared in the Manchester City first team in February 2007, handed his debut in a 74th minute substitute in a 2-0 home defeat to Reading. He also came off the bench in a home loss to Wigan Athletic that season.

The striker again had to wait until after Christmas to get a look in during 2007/08 - but it was worth waiting for. He bagged his first ever goal in City's 2-1 loss at Sheffield United in the FA Cup then in his next game earned City a 1-1 draw at Derby County in the Premier League. He made four appearances that season.

The striker was part of the City side which reached the FA Youth Cup final in 2006.

He is an England Under-20 international.