Thomas Tuchel has expressed his sympathy for Raheem Sterling amid the winger's latest troubles, as the former Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea star keeps himself occupied running his RS7 football academy. Sterling, 31, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and possession of nitrous oxide in September following a crash involving his Lamborghini in May.
Sterling's Recent Struggles
The incident comes on the back of underwhelming spells at both Arsenal and Feyenoord since his departure from Chelsea in 2024. It was Tuchel himself, during his tenure as Chelsea boss, who brought Sterling to Stamford Bridge from City in 2017, where the attacker flourished into one of the Premier League's very best players.
Reflecting on Sterling's recent troubles, Tuchel said: "I have a lot of sympathy for him and I feel that he has struggled ever since he left Man City and he was at the peak of his career.
"I was fighting for this transfer and he could never prove the importance that he normally had. It was a big step for him at that moment in time.
"It's sad to see that someone struggles because he was a devoted father for his children and he was a family guy, a nice guy to be around. It just seems that he goes through a difficult period.
"I'm not sure how much is his fault, sometimes you just enter a strange spiral in your life, a downward spiral. Thoughts of with him of course, the belief is always that he can turn it around and I wish him the best."
Focus on RS7 Academy
Sterling has been focusing on what lies ahead, dedicating himself to work at his academy. His social media accounts reveal the former England international is conducting practical training sessions, teaching youngsters the basics of football.
The 82-cap England international originally established RS7 Academy while searching for an appropriate training setting for his young son, one that offers a different approach to playing than the tactics-focused programmes at prominent academies.
Blending top-level coaching with personal growth, the academy has attracted prominent figures, including Premier League icon Ashley Cole, who recently managed Serie B side Cesena FC, to deliver training sessions. The academy has also recently formed a partnership with UCFB (University Campus of Football), with the aim of enabling prospective university students to participate and gain experience within the organisation.
Driving Ban and Career Highlights
Following his encounter with police earlier this year, Sterling has been banned from driving prior to his next court appearance on November 25. He is presently unattached to any club.
Sterling secured four Premier League championships, five League Cups and the FA Cup during his time at City. He has netted 123 Premier League goals throughout his career. The most recent of Sterling's 82 caps came at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with his international career now over.
