Raheem Sterling: New Balance’s former Chelsea and Man City star finds new path at Feyenoord
Raheem Sterling made the move to join Dutch side Feyenoord in February after agreeing to terminate his contract with Chelsea.
The 31-year-old’s time at Stamford Bridge had transformed into a nightmare, with his last appearance coming all the way back in 2024.
Sterling joined Chelsea in a big-money move from Manchester City in 2022, but lost his way amid poor form and a dismal loan spell with Arsenal.
Memories of sensational seasons with the Citizens and Liverpool before them looked to be a thing of the past, but the former England international now has new hope.
The decision of Chelsea transfer chiefs to mutually terminate his contract may well become a crucial moment in his career, as he looks to give it one last revival.
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VISIT THE CHELSEA TRANSFER HUBRaheem Sterling showing signs of re-emergence
Football Insider exclusively revealed in February that Sterling could have moved to the Saudi Pro League or the MLS after his contract was terminated.
Both options would have made sense financially, and they likely would have given his career a calming end.
| Raheem Sterling | vs Excelsior |
| Minutes played | 81 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Accurate passes | 14/18 |
| Shots | 1 |
| Recoveries | 3 |
| Fouled | 5 |
But that is not what Sterling is about. He thrives on competition, and he yearns for the challenge – the opportunity to see out his season in Eredivisie was the perfect opportunity.
The winger already appears to be on the way back towards his best, providing a flavour earlier this month of the devastating pace that made him so dangerous for so long.
As Feyenoord chased the lead against Excelsior, Sterling found space in the middle and drove away from his marker with a boost befitting of his New Balances.
With pinpoint precision, the Englishman found Ayase Ueda through on goal, with the striker doing the rest.
It will take time for Sterling to get back to the player he once was. But you would not bet against him, would you?
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Sterling keen to prove a point
Sterling has been fighting doubters throughout his entire career. The winger has never seemed to do quite enough in many eyes, despite presenting some of the best numbers in Premier League history.
His goals were never quite good enough, his style too cocky. Even consistent performances for England were not enough.
His move to Man City? For the money. The subsequent switch to Chelsea? The mark of a dying career.
To this day, Sterling remains under consistent surveillance as he attempts to get his career back on track.
But the truth is that the winger has never needed to prove anyone wrong. He does his talking on the pitch, and he is rightfully loud.
Sterling may be the New Balance star who dimmed, but he will shine brightly once again – you can bet on it.
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