Raheem Sterling joins Feyenoord
Raheem Sterling has completed a move to Feyenoord, signing with the Dutch giants on a contract running through the current campaign, reports BritPanorama.
The 31-year-old England winger parted ways with Chelsea last month following a mutually agreed departure from Stamford Bridge. Sterling had been earning in excess of £300,000 weekly at the Premier League club, with the two parties reaching a settlement over the remaining 18 months of his deal.
The former Manchester City star joins a Feyenoord side currently sitting second in the Eredivisie, under the stewardship of ex-Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie. Sterling expressed satisfaction at being able to choose his next destination as a free agent, calling it a rare opportunity in his career.
“I wanted to take my time to speak with clubs and their head coaches to better understand the role they envisioned for me and ensure that I can add real value in this next chapter,” he explained.
After extensive conversations with Van Persie, Sterling conveyed confidence in his decision. “Having spoken in great detail with Robin, I’m confident that Feyenoord is a place I can be happy and establish myself as a valued member of the team,” he noted. He welcomes the challenge of playing abroad, stating, “Honestly, I’m just excited to get started.”
Van Persie hailed the acquisition as significant for the Rotterdam club, remarking, “Naturally it’s a fantastic feat that we’ve managed to convince a player of Raheem’s calibre to sign with us.” The Feyenoord manager is optimistic about Sterling’s impact, believing his qualities can change match outcomes as the season progresses.
Currently, Feyenoord trails league leaders PSV by 17 points. Sterling’s signature comes after considerable interest, with around 18 clubs from England and across Europe vying for his services. Ultimately, the opportunity to compete in a strong league and Feyenoord’s aspirations for Champions League qualification influenced his choice, along with Van Persie’s clear vision for his role.
As Sterling embarks on this new chapter, it serves as a reminder of the ever-shifting dynamics in football, where the pursuit of success can lead players to unexpected but promising new beginnings.
