Raheem Sterling is facing mounting criticism in the Netherlands after a difficult start to life at Feyenoord, with former Dutch international René van der Gijp suggesting the England winger should consider retiring from football altogether. Sterling, who joined Feyenoord on a short‑term deal after mutually terminating his contract with Chelsea in January, has managed just one assist in five Eredivisie appearances and has struggled to make any meaningful impact.
Speaking on the Willem & Wessel podcast, Van der Gijp said Sterling should admit the move is not working and walk away. “He should just go to Robin van Persie and say: let’s stop this. This isn’t going to work,” he said. “This isn’t good for me, for you, or for the club. You’re not helping anyone with this. He should just go to Ibiza, put on his swimming trunks, and eat a delicious paella with his wife. Then he’d be having a great time. But this isn’t going to work out for him anymore. What a shame.”
Sterling’s latest outing came in the 1–1 draw against Ajax, where he was substituted after 55 minutes by head coach Robin van Persie as Feyenoord chased an equaliser. Another Dutch football figure, Willem van Hanegem, echoed the criticism, saying Sterling once again failed to show up. “He just wasn’t there again, no. If I were them, I would ask for my money back and say: Just go home. You shouldn’t put a player like that through. He used to be a good player… but that’s about it.”
Despite the scrutiny, Van Persie has defended his decision to bring Sterling in and insists the winger will be given time to regain sharpness. “The most important thing is winning matches during this period of Raheem getting fitter and fitter,” he said. “I believe he’s making steps… at the same time, I want to see more impact off the ball, more impact on the ball.”
Sterling, who has not played for England since the 2022 World Cup, signed with Feyenoord until the end of the season. With pressure growing and performances under the microscope, the coming weeks may determine whether his move to the Netherlands becomes a revival — or the final chapter of his top‑level career.
Comments
Post a Comment