Raheem Sterling Faces Training Ban at Feyenoord After Shock Move
Raheem Sterling's surprise transfer to Feyenoord has encountered an immediate obstacle, with the England international banned from training with his new teammates due to unresolved work permit issues. The 31-year-old winger completed a free transfer to the Dutch giants earlier this week after mutually terminating his Chelsea contract during the January window.
Van Persie Confirms Belgian Training Camp Solution
Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie has confirmed the club has hastily organised a training camp in Belgium to circumvent the current impasse. "That's allowed abroad," Van Persie explained. "We're doing it for him, but I also want to work on our team development. We can have some good conversations and do something fun together."
The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker revealed Sterling will join the camp on Monday, marking his first involvement with the squad since his move was finalised. "He'll start training the day after tomorrow," Van Persie added. "We'll see each week when he's fit for a match. That will take some time, but that seems logical to me, since he hasn't played for six months."
Sterling's Search for Career Revival
Sterling hadn't featured for Chelsea this season before his departure, with the four-time Premier League champion desperate to reboot his stuttering career. It's understood the winger spoke with 18 different clubs before settling on Feyenoord, where he will play under Van Persie's guidance.
Speaking after his move was confirmed, Sterling expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge. "As a free agent, I've had, for the first time in a long time, the opportunity to control the next step in my career," he said. "I wanted to take my time to speak with clubs and their Head Coaches to better understand the role they envisioned for me and ensure that I can add real value in this next chapter."
The England international continued: "Having spoken in great detail with CEO Dennis te Kloese and 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."
Van Persie's Perspective on Sterling's Motivation
Van Persie believes Sterling chose Feyenoord specifically to rediscover his passion for football after a difficult period at Stamford Bridge. "Raheem is a great player with a wonderful character," the manager stated. "He has chosen the love of the game and hopes to rediscover the joy here in Holland. We are going to help him with that. He has already proven everything in his career. What he is looking for is trust, warmth and love again."
The Dutch legend also revealed an interesting personal connection, noting: "The remarkable thing is that we didn't really know each other as people, even though we did play against each other at the beginning of his career. Five times, in fact, and I did win three of those games - but don't tell him that."
Contract Details and Future Prospects
Sterling's initial deal with Feyenoord runs until the end of the current season, but Van Persie expressed hope it could become a longer arrangement. "We hope Raheem enjoys himself so much that he chooses to stay here in Holland," he admitted. "We have to make the most of it."
The timing of the work permit issues proved particularly inconvenient, with Feyenoord having to play their first match without their new signing on Sunday - a 1-0 victory over Go Ahead Eagles. Sterling watched from the sidelines, unable to even train with his new colleagues as the administrative hurdles were addressed.
Van Persie's proactive approach in organising the Belgian camp demonstrates the club's commitment to integrating Sterling quickly, despite the bureaucratic delays. The manager emphasized this was not merely a solution for one player, but an opportunity for team development and bonding ahead of crucial fixtures in the Eredivisie and European competitions.
