Sterling arrived in Rotterdam with a massive profile, and Van Persie was keen to remind the public of exactly what the forward has achieved during his time in the Premier League with Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea. For the Feyenoord coach, the statistics speak for themselves, regardless of any dip in current form. He feels the local environment has been hostile toward a player who should be viewed as a marquee signing for the Eredivisie.
"He has scored 200 goals in England and played 82 international matches," Van Persie said. "And that is regardless of whether you think he plays well or not. But I think the way we handle this as a footballing nation is really very bad."