Sterling completed a free transfer to Feyenoord until the end of June 2026. The 31-year-old English winger had previously terminated his contract with Chelsea.

"Signing Sterling provides motivation for the entire club," said coach Van Persie. "He is a great player, has proven himself, and possesses a strong personality. He chose Feyenoord out of a love for football and a desire to rediscover his joy. We will help him."

Sterling debuted for Feyenoord on 13/2. *Photo: Feyenoord*.

Sterling signed a five-year contract with Chelsea after leaving Manchester City in summer 2022. His unsuccessful performance led to a loan spell at Arsenal for the 2024-2025 season. When he returned to Stamford Bridge, the situation had not improved, resulting in his exclusion from the first team. He has not played any matches since the start of the 2025-2026 season.

According to ESPN, around 18 clubs were interested in signing Sterling recently. The 31-year-old winger chose Feyenoord due to his relationship with Van Persie and the club's prospects for Champions League qualification. Feyenoord currently ranks second in the Dutch league. The top two teams in this league will secure direct entry into next season's Champions League group stage.

"We are very much looking forward to it," Van Persie added. "From Raheem's perspective, he wants to rediscover his joy, and from our perspective, he can help and bring positive momentum to the team."

Sterling began his career at Liverpool before moving to Manchester City in 2015. During his seven years at the Etihad Stadium, he scored 131 goals in 339 matches, winning four Premier League titles, five League Cups, one FA Cup, and one English Super Cup. The 31-year-old star also reached the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2021 with the English national team.

During his playing career, Van Persie won the Dutch Cup and the UEFA Cup with Feyenoord. The 42-year-old former striker also scored 132 goals in 278 matches for Arsenal and 58 goals in 105 matches for Manchester United, winning one Premier League title, one FA Cup, and two English Super Cups.

After retiring as a player, Van Persie served as a youth coach and first-team assistant coach at Feyenoord. He moved to Heerenveen to become the first-team coach in 2024 but returned to manage Feyenoord from early 2025.

By Thanh Quy (according to ESPN)