Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus send messages to Raheem Sterling as free transfer agreed
Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus have sent their best wishes to former Arsenal winger Raheem Sterling after he completed a move to Feyenoord.
Sterling‘s arrival at the Dutch club was confirmed on Thursday, with the 31-year-old signing a deal that will run until the end of the season.
The forward finally left Chelsea by mutual consent in January, having been blocked from the squad for the entirety of the season.
Sterling spent last season on loan at Arsenal, but failed to impress and could not find another club willing to cover his wages for this campaign.
As a free agent, however, various clubs were reportedly interested in the former England international, who has decided to play under Robin van Persie.
Gabriel Jesus and Declan Rice react as Raheem Sterling signs
It was just two seasons ago that Sterling had netted 10 goals and provided eight assists across all competitions for Chelsea.
The Blues had paid a sizeable sum to sign the winger in 2022, but just two years later, were attempting to force him out.
A loan move to Arsenal, secured on transfer deadline day in the summer of 2024, looked to provide Sterling with a chance to recapture his career.
| Raheem Sterling | Premier League 2024-25 |
| Appearances | 17 |
| Starts | 7 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Chances created | 8 |
| Successful dribbles | 10 |
Ultimately, though, the forward was lacklustre throughout his time on the pitch, with Mikel Arteta eventually opting for 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri on the wing.
The former Man City star found himself in Chelsea’s infamous ‘bomb squad’ upon his return to the club, as decision-makers attempted to force him into an exit.
With an agreement finally reached, Sterling can now embark on his new chapter in the Netherlands with Champions League-chasing Feyenoord.
In a post to Instagram after the move had been confirmed, the winger wrote: “Whatever it takes”.
Rice and Jesus, who played alongside Sterling at the Emirates Stadium and the latter at Man City, both left clapping and heart emojis.
What Sterling said about Feyenoord move
Any dreams of a potential return to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad appear a far cry for Sterling, but the winger will hope to start enjoying his football again at Feyenoord.
It is often forgotten just how much of a force the four-time Premier League winner was during his prime with Man City, and a return to anywhere close to that level will surely result in a new contract offer this summer.
“Having spoken in great detail with Robin, I’m confident that Feyenoord is a place I can be happy and establish myself as a valued member of the team”, Sterling said after signing.
“Playing abroad is a whole new challenge for me – and one I’m ready to embrace. Honestly, I’m just excited to get started.”