Jack Grealish has defended Raheem Sterling after he received criticism over his Feyenoord debut.
Sterling recently signed for Feyenoord after leaving Chelsea by mutual agreement in January.
The Englishman received offers from several clubs around the world, but he decided to join the Eredivisie club.
He made his Feyenoord debut as a second-half substitute in their 2-1 victory over Telstar on Sunday.
Sterling put in a below-par performance and was scrutinised by a popular Instagram account.
Jack Grealish defends Raheem Sterling’s debut performance
Feyenoord head coach Robin van Persie introduced Sterling in the 61st minute as a replacement for Gijs Smal.
The 31-year-old played the final half hour of the match on the left wing and looked out of sorts, as he often did at Chelsea.
Footballpark then suggested on Instagram that Sterling should consider retirement after his disappointing debut performance.
However, Sterling’s former Manchester City teammate Jack Grealish came to his defence with a brutal response.
Jack Grealish (L) and Raheem Sterling (R) of England warm up ahead of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and Iran
Photo by Ercin Erturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
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“What a f—— stupid Instagram post man,” he commented. “What’s wrong with you guys?
“Guy hasn’t played or trained for so long. People like you guys are what’s wrong with the world. Have some respect.”
Grealish rightfully pointed out that Sterling had not played in a competitive match for many months and deserved some patience.
Raheem Sterling not focused on England return
Sterling’s struggles at Chelsea mean that he has not played for England since December 2022.
He was recently asked whether he has spoken to England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of the World Cup this summer.
“I haven’t spoken with him. Just keep playing football, that’s what’s most important,” Sterling told ESPN.
It is highly unlikely that Sterling will feature for the Three Lions this summer, but it could happen if he recaptures his goalscoring form at Feyenoord.
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