Raheem Sterling has joined Feyenoord as a free agent. The former Chelsea and Arsenal star has headed to the Netherlands to link up with Robin van Persie, who is currently managing the Dutch giants.
Where has Sterling gone?
The former England international has joined Feyenoord in a shock move, the Dutch club have confirmed. The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea ace is aiming to rebuild a career that has stalled in recent years. Sterling was released by the Blues earlier this year, with the two sides coming to an agreement that has allowed the winger to seek pastures new.
Their brief statement upon his exit read: “Raheem Sterling has today departed Chelsea Football Club by mutual agreement, bringing to an end three-and-a-half seasons as our player, having signed in the summer of 2022 when he was transferred from Manchester City.
“We thank Raheem for the contribution he made while a Chelsea player and wish him well for the next stage in his career.”
Mighty downfall from when he signed
Signed by Thomas Tuchel, the now-England manager expressed his excitement at landing the ace in 2022. In total, he played 81 times for the club, scoring 19 goals and registering 15 assists.
Tuchel said upon his arrival: “It was the number one priority and we are very excited and super happy that we could make it happen. He’s a big improvement to our squad and is exactly what we were looking for in terms of age, experience, and style of play.
“Once the players arrive these days in a situation where they only have one year [left on their] contract, there’s at all times room for negotiation and risk. We went for it. We might persuade him in a short time. He was satisfied, he did all the pieces that was wanted to do, we gave our greatest to make it occur. It is an ideal match.
“He offers us a number of flexibility, mobility and attacking choices on the entrance.”
Sterling’s short-term deal
The Englishman has signed a short-term deal till the tip of the season at Van Persie’s facet. The membership presently sit second within the league desk however league glory appears a good distance off; they’re 17 factors behind PSV Eindhoven on the prime of the desk.
Van Persie did play towards Sterling throughout his profession, however they didn’t line up collectively. Ajax had been additionally mentioned to have an interest however Feyenoord have managed to safe his signature.
What subsequent?
Feyenoord play Go Forward Eagles this weekend, in what may very well be Sterling’s debut. He has performed for 4 of the largest golf equipment within the Premier League — Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester Metropolis — and is now able to rebuild his profession in Holland.
Van Persie has defined Metropolis boss Pep Guardiola’s affect on his strategies, telling the Guardian: “I had lunch with him, there have been a few water bottles on the desk and he was shuffling them, saying: ‘He strikes in right here and he strikes proper. He ought to go, he ought to commit, he ought to come out.’ And he was shifting his leg like this… And he was speaking about connections on the pitch. I arrived fairly drained after a protracted day however I used to be buzzing. Watching the teaching, he was on Kevin De Bruyne, sharp as a knife. It gave me vitality. And my pal, who is aware of him higher, mentioned to me afterwards: ‘That is the one method if you wish to be a coach at this stage.’ And I used to be considering: ‘How can I give everybody from the washing woman to the director the sensation they’ve such an vital influence on the membership, that we’re doing this collectively?’”
