Robin van Persie delivers brutal Raheem Sterling rant – ‘I can’t stand it’
Raheem Sterling failed to make much of an impact after he signed for Dutch giants Feyenoord in February, having finally been let go by Chelsea after his contract was terminated
Raheem Sterling’s time at Feyenoord appears to be up(Image: Pieter van der Woude/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie has launched a fierce defence of Raheem Sterling after he played what’s set to be his final game for the club. Sterling, 31, joined Feyenoord in February, having finally agreed to leave Chelsea after six months as part of their bomb squad following an unproductive loan spell with Arsenal.
The 82-time England international signed a contract until the end of the Eredivisie season which has now finished. Sterling played 72 minutes in Sunday’s 2-0 win away to Zwolle, with Feyenoord finishing the campaign in second place and qualifying for the Champions League.
Throughout his time in Rotterdam, Sterling has been heavily criticised by journalists and pundits. Van Persie believes that the criticism has been ‘overboard’, adding that the former Manchester City star was unfortunate not to score his first goal for Feyenoord or add to his assist tally on Sunday.
“He was unlucky at times,” Van Persie said post-match. “But there were also a number of times where he was in a good position. In the second half, for example, when he produced a good run inside.
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“Personally, I struggle with the cynicism surrounding him. think respect is more appropriate. In any case, I don’t like cynicism. I can’t stand the whole atmosphere around him.
“Everyone has to know their place in that. And I think we sometimes go a bit overboard in the Netherlands regarding that.”
The ex-Arsenal and Manchester United striker pointed to Sterling’s achievements earlier in his career, believing that he deserves more respect. “He has scored 200 goals in England and played 82 international matches,” Van Persie added.
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“And that is regardless of whether you think he plays well or not. But I think the way we handle this as a footballing nation is really very bad.”
The Feyenoord manager then revealed that he’ll talk to Sterling about his experiences at the club, with no official confirmation on his future as of Monday morning. Last month, it was reported in the Netherlands that the 31-year-old wouldn’t be offered a new deal.
“I am going to discuss that with him tonight,” Van Persie explained. We are having dinner with the group tonight. Then I will take a moment with him.”
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