The long awaited debut of England international Raheem Sterling finally took place this weekend. The winger has been awaiting a work permit to be able to play for Feyenoord, with the club having moved training to Belgium to accommodate and integrate the 31-year-old. With the permit granted, Sterling was able to finally make his debut. The former Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal man was given a fantastic ovation when he came off the bench for Feyenoord as they beat Telstar 2-1 on Sunday evening.
Speaking to ESPN after the game, Sterling was full of praise for his new teammates. Sterling said โWe have some exceptional players, guys with a lot of talentโ. Having not played first team football at his former side Chelsea for some time, it was clear that Sterling still needs some time to get up and running. A return to full fitness is what the England international is now targeting. Sterling told the media after the game โI havenโt played for a while, but Iโve been trying to stay fit. Weโre just taking it step by step to get fitterโ.
Feyenoord could certainly do with a fit and firing Sterling. The side are chasing a second placed finish, with PSV far enough ahead that it is unlikely they can challenge for the title. For Sterling, this is a great chance to escape the media scrutiny he has constantly faced in England for his performances on the pitch and decisions made off the pitch.
GBeNeFNย |ย Ben Jackson
