Raheem Sterling signed with Feyenoord to ‘rediscover happiness’ in the sport, according to Robin van Persie.
Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie has stated that Raheem Sterling opted to join the Eredivisie team to “rediscover the joy” in his football.
Sterling signed with Feyenoord until the conclusion of the season as a free agent on Thursday after reaching a mutual agreement to terminate his contract with Chelsea last month.
The 82-time capped England international has not participated in a competitive match since May and was part of Chelsea’s so-called “bomb squad,” a group of players excluded from first-team activities and training.
However, Sterling has now found a way out and is embarking on his first experience abroad to collaborate with former Arsenal and Manchester United forward Van Persie.
“You can see that it provides a boost throughout the entire club. This is evident on various levels,” Van Persie remarked during a news conference on Friday.
“You could see it today as well. Someone is joining us, and that’s just how it is; he’s a significant player, a strong personality, and someone who has demonstrated his capabilities.”
“He is here and has selected Feyenoord, driven by his passion for the game, and he wants to rediscover that joy, which he will find with us, and we will assist him in that journey.”
“The process begins today, and we are all genuinely excited about it. That is the reason we have brought him in.”
A source informed ESPN that as many as 18 clubs from Europe’s top four leagues expressed interest in acquiring Sterling, but his connection with Van Persie and Feyenoord’s aspirations for Champions League qualification ultimately swayed the decision in favor of the Dutch club.
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“This is also why Raheem has chosen us; we have mutual belief and are committed to supporting each other in this process,” Van Persie continued.
“From Raheem’s perspective, it’s about finding happiness again, and from our perspective, it’s about him helping us and providing a significant positive impact.”
Feyenoord currently occupies second place in the Dutch Eredivisie, a substantial eighteen points behind leaders PSV, and was eliminated from the Europa League during the group stage, finishing in 29th place.
Information from ESPN’s James Olley contributed to this report.
