Feyenoord are set to welcome Raheem Sterling to Rotterdam on Friday, February 13, after reaching an agreement to sign the England international for the remainder of the season.
The 82 capped winger, who has represented Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea during an illustrious career, completed the move earlier today, February 12, weeks after terminating his contract with Chelsea.
Raheem Sterling had been linked with several high profile clubs across Europe in recent weeks. He explained that his choice to join Feyenoord was heavily influenced by head coach Robin van Persie, sporting director Dennis te Kloese and the strong impression he gained during talks with both men.
Sterling said: “Because of my transfer free status, I had the opportunity to take the next step in my career for the first time in a long time. I took the time for that and spoke to several clubs and their head coaches. This was to understand what role they had in mind for me and to be sure that I can really be an added value at a new club.”
He added: “After having spoken very extensively with Dennis and with Robin, I am convinced that Feyenoord is the place where I will be happy and also a valuable member of the selection. Playing abroad is a whole new challenge for me, and one that I am happy to embrace.
“I’m really looking forward to getting started. To Feyenoord and especially Robin and Dennis: thank you for your patience and professionalism as I went through this process.”
Van Persie, who has played a key role in securing the forward’s signature, expressed his delight at the arrival of the former Manchester City star.
“It is of course fantastic that we have managed to get another player of Raheem’s calibre after the transfer window closed. His football CV speaks for itself: he is a player whose qualities can absolutely make the difference in a game and I am convinced that he will help us achieve our goals in the last half of the season,” the Feyenoord manager said.
Sterling was born in Jamaica and moved to London at the age of five, where his football journey began. He was spotted by Queens Park Rangers at just ten years old before joining Liverpool’s academy. He made his professional debut for the Reds at 17-year-old and quickly became one of the most exciting young talents in Europe, earning the Golden Boy award in 2014.
In 2015, he joined Manchester City, where he developed into a prolific and dependable winger. During his time at the Etihad, Sterling collected eleven major honours, including four Premier League titles and the FA Cup. He was also part of the City side that reached the UEFA Champions League final in 2021, narrowly losing to Chelsea.
Across club and international football, Sterling has scored more than 200 goals. Off the pitch, he is widely respected for his commitment to social issues, particularly in promoting equality and challenging discrimination in sport. In 2021, he was awarded an MBE in recognition of his contributions to society.
Sterling’s debut for Feyenoord will depend on the approval of his work permit.
