Raheem Sterling's time in the Netherlands is drawing to a close after Feyenoord's Eredivisie season ended, with the former Chelsea winger now set to weigh up his next move this summer
Nathan Ridley and Dan Burnham Senior Sports Reporter/Content Editor
17:48, 20 May 2026Updated 17:56, 20 May 2026
BREDA, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 8: (L-R) Raheem Sterling of Feyenoord, coach Robin van Persie of Feyenoord during the Dutch Eredivisie match between NAC Breda v Feyenoord at the Rat Verlegh Stadium on March 8, 2026 in Breda Netherlands (Photo by Pim Waslander/Soccrates/Getty Images)
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Robin van Persie lept to the defence of Raheem Sterling(Image: Soccrates Images/Getty Images)
Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie has mounted a staunch defence of Raheem Sterling following what is expected to be his final appearance for the club.
Sterling, 31, joined Feyenoord in February, having eventually agreed to depart Chelsea after six months in their bomb squad following an unsuccessful loan stint with Arsenal. The 82-cap England international penned a deal until the conclusion of the Eredivisie season, which has now drawn to a close.
He featured for 72 minutes in Sunday's 2-0 victory away at Zwolle, with Feyenoord securing second place and Champions League qualification for next season. During his spell in Rotterdam, Sterling has faced substantial criticism from journalists and pundits.
Van Persie feels that the backlash has been "overboard," suggesting that the former Manchester City winger was unfortunate not to open his account for Feyenoord or increase his assist tally on Sunday. "He was unlucky at times," Van Persie remarked after the match.
"But there were also a number of times where he was in a good position. In the second half, for example, when he produced a good run inside.
"Personally, I struggle with the cynicism surrounding him. I think respect is more appropriate. In any case, I don't like cynicism. I can't stand the whole atmosphere around him.
Feyenoord coach Robin van Persie during the press conference following the Dutch Eredivisie match between FC Volendam and Feyenoord at the Kras Stadium on April 5, 2026
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Van Persie took aim at the Dutch press(Image: ANP via Getty Images)
"Everyone has to know their place in that. And I think we sometimes go a bit overboard in the Netherlands regarding that."
The former Arsenal and Manchester United striker highlighted Sterling's accomplishments throughout his career, suggesting he warrants greater recognition. "He has scored 200 goals in England and played 82 international matches," Van Persie continued.
"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."
Raheem Sterling of Feyenoord looks on during the Dutch Eredivisie match between PEC Zwolle and Feyenoord at MAC3Park on May 17, 2026
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Sterling's loan move didn't yield the results either party hoped for(Image: Pieter van der Woude/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
The Feyenoord boss then disclosed that he'll speak to Sterling about his time at the club, with no formal announcement regarding his future as of yet. Last month, reports emerged in the Netherlands that he wouldn't be handed a fresh contract.
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"I am going to discuss that with him tonight," Van Persie stated. "We are having dinner with the group tonight. Then I will take a moment with him."
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