Raheem Sterling is unable to commence training with his new Feyenoord teammates while he awaits a work permit.
The winger completed a short-term switch to the Eredivisie club after his contract at Chelsea was mutually terminated last month.
Raheem Sterling of Chelsea in action during the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and FC Internazionale at Stamford Bridge on August 11, 2024 in London, England.
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Raheem Sterling has signed for Feyenoord after leaving Chelsea last monthCredit: Getty
The free agent made the surprise decision to move to the Dutch giants, who sit second in the table, for a first venture overseas.
The 31-year-old, who has featured for Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal during his career, is waiting for his work permit to be concluded before he is able to train and play for Robin van Persie’s side.
He is yet to play a competitive game this season after being frozen out at Stamford Bridge and a lack of match fitness means it could be some time before Feyenoord fans get their first glimpse of the star.
The right move
Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan believes the move could prove to be a good one for the England international.
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"I think this is what it’s all about for Raheem. He comes into an environment which he probably needs after not playing for such a long time,” he told talkSPORT.
“The Feyenoord fans were queuing up this morning at the airport. They were singing for him. He was signing autographs.
“He will go into a stadium which is filled with 50,000 people every week. They’ve got a very loyal, loud crowd every week.
“Before he’s even kicked a ball, he’s already a hero here. I still have to see when he’s actually fit.
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“Because he’s only trained individual programmes over the last three, four months. He’s not been involved in a game.
“Robin knows that he has to train him up a bit with the squad in the next few weeks. I think he will not make 90 minutes immediately.”
Robin van Persie is hoping he can call upon Sterling soon as his side battle for Champions League qualification
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Robin van Persie is hoping he can call upon Sterling soon as his side battle for Champions League qualificationCredit: Getty Images - Getty
United and Sterling in action for Man Utd and Liverpool, respectively
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Van Persie played against a young Sterling during his time at Manchester United
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He continued: “Eventually, I think he should be making that difference for Robin van Persie’s side. To get that second spot.
“And to go back to your starters. He can’t play this Sunday yet.
“His work permit is very vital at this moment, because he’s from Great Britain, and officially, he can’t even train.
“So I’m just going over to the training ground in a minute. I’m hoping to see him.
“But I doubt if he’s actually training with the squad today, because of that work permit.”
In-demand
talkSPORT understands almost 20 clubs enquired about Sterling before he opted for a move to Feyenoord.
Raheem Sterling playing for Chelsea
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Sterling was sent to Chelsea's bomb squad by Enzo Maresca last summerCredit: Getty
Everton were understood to be one of the club’s interested in signing him, however Sterling's priority was to find regular game time, something he felt was more achievable with the Dutch outfit.
“I’m confident that Feyenoord is the right place for me,” Sterling said. “Playing abroad presents a completely new challenge, and I can’t wait to get started.
“I want to thank Feyenoord, and especially Robin and (Feyenoord director) Dennis [te Kloese], for their patience and professionalism throughout this process.”
Meanwhile, Van Persie believes Sterling will be a key addition to his squad, who sit 17 points behind leaders PSV.
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He stated: “Securing a player of Raheem’s quality after the transfer window is incredible. His career speaks volumes.
“He has the ability to change games, and I’m confident he will help us reach our objectives in the remainder of the season.”