Raheem Sterling during a pre-match warm-up at Arsenal
Former Manchester City and England star Raheem Sterling has broken his silence with his first social media post since appearing in court over three serious driving offences last week.
The 31-year-old pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, possessing nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation and failing to provide a specimen after police bodycam footage showed the moment he was arrested for crashing his Lamborghini Urus in Hampshire on May 28.
Sterling appeared before Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. His case was adjourned until November to allow pre-sentence reports to be prepared.
Raheem Sterling's First Social Media Post Since Court Appearance
Raheem Sterling wearing headphones
The court heard that Sterling’s Lamborghini was observed being driven erratically on the M25 and M3 before leaving the motorway near Farnborough and colliding with a metal gate.
Sterling's downfall from top Premier League talent to facing a legal battle and struggling to find a new club after leaving Feyenoord as a free agent last season has brought fresh scrutiny for him. Seemingly in defiance, perhaps as well as accepting his wrongdoing, he has now posted to Instagram with the caption (see the full post below):
"Progress over perfection."
The 2014 Golden Boy had a career that never foresaw the downward trajectory he is currently on. Sterling was named Player of the Year at Man City in 2019, and finished his seven-year stint at the Eithad Stadium with four league titles, five League Cups, and an FA Cup.
Spells in London with Chelsea and Arsenal were far less fortuitous, and it remains to be seen where he goes from here after making just eight appearances for Feyenoord last season.
More Details of Sterling's Driving Offences Emerge
Raheem Sterling in action for the England national team during the 2022 World Cup
The court heard that another motorist reported seeing Sterling's Lamborghini repeatedly change lanes and travel close to the central reservation during a journey lasting approximately 30 minutes. Police later found Sterling inside the damaged vehicle near the Minley interchange. Officers discovered six nitrous oxide canisters in the car, the court heard.
Released police bodycam footage appeared to show Sterling sitting with canisters and a deflated balloon on his lap when an officer opened the vehicle’s door, before he tried moving them to the back seat.
The court heard that roadside testing did not return a positive indication for alcohol, cannabis or cocaine. He later declined to provide a blood sample, leading to the additional charge of failing to provide a specimen. The prosecution said Sterling attempted to make the presence of his chosen solicitor a condition of giving the sample, despite being told the investigation could not be delayed.
Sterling later stated that he had requested legal advice and had been tired and confused after failing to sleep during the night.
His barrister, Jason Bartfeld KC, told the court there was "extensive personal mitigation" and said Sterling had voluntarily taken steps to address his difficulties.
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling
The court heard that roadside testing did not return a positive indication for alcohol, cannabis or cocaine. He later declined to provide a blood sample, leading to the additional charge of failing to provide a specimen. The prosecution said Sterling attempted to make the presence of his chosen solicitor a condition of giving the sample, despite being told the investigation could not be delayed.
Sterling later stated that he had requested legal advice and had been tired and confused after failing to sleep during the night. His barrister, Jason Bartfeld KC, told the court there was "extensive personal mitigation" and said Sterling had voluntarily taken steps to address his difficulties. He will be sentenced in November.