Former Chelsea and Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling has signed for Dutch Eredivisie side Feyenoord on a deal until the end of the season, marking his first career move abroad.
The 31-year-old England international left Chelsea by mutual consent in January after agreeing a settlement package over the final 18 months of his £300,000+ per week contract. As a free agent, Sterling had the rare opportunity to carefully select his next destination.
"For the first time in a long time, I've had the opportunity to control the next step in my career. I wanted to take my time to speak with clubs and their head coaches to better understand the role they envisioned for me," Sterling said.
He revealed that extensive discussions with Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie—the former Manchester United and Arsenal striker—convinced him to join. "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. Playing abroad is a whole new challenge for me—and one I'm ready to embrace."
Feyenoord currently sit second in the Eredivisie, 17 points behind leaders PSV. Van Persie expressed delight at securing Sterling's signature: "Naturally it's a fantastic feat that we've managed to convince a player of Raheem's calibre to sign with us. His football resume speaks for itself... I am convinced he will turn out to be a valuable addition."
Sources told BBC Sport that approximately 18 clubs across England and Europe expressed interest in Sterling. The opportunity to compete in a competitive league, help Feyenoord secure Champions League qualification, and Van Persie's clear tactical vision ultimately persuaded the veteran winger to move to Holland.
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