A good deal or a good distraction?
With Robin van Persie on the brink at Feyenoord, the former Premier League striker has brought in a four-time winner of the competition for free in Raheem Sterling.
Sterling’s contract with Chelsea was terminated, allowing him to move abroad for the first time, joining the Eredivisie.
The deal is certainly a coup, but Van Persie, whose guided Feyenoord out of the Europa League, KNVB Beker, and title race, thinks it’s gigantic.
“I can see that everyone is very enthusiastic,” he said of Sterling. “They’re all thrilled.
“They all realise that this is one of the biggest transfers in Dutch history, and you can feel it in the group.”
He added: “Raheem is an exceptional player with a remarkable character.
“He has chosen to dedicate himself fully to the pitch and hopes to rediscover the joy of playing here. We will help him achieve that.
“He has already proven everything in his career. What he is looking for is renewed confidence, warmth, and affection.”
Could Raheem Sterling stay at Feyenoord long-term?
Asked about Sterling’s long-term prospects in Rotterdam, he added: “It’s up to us.
“We hope he’ll enjoy it so much that he’ll choose to stay. We have to make the most of it.
“The strangest thing is that we didn’t know each other personally, even though we played against each other at the beginning of his career. Five times, even? And I won three out of five? I have no idea. Anyway, don’t tell him…”
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