Robin van Persie makes clear Raheem Sterling statement after Feyenoord humiliation
Updated: 8 May 2026 19:24 BST |
5 min read
Raheem Sterling is said to have already reached an agreement with Feyenoord and decided to leave after this season, but Robin van Persie has added another surprising twist to the remarkable story currently unfolding in Rotterdam.
During the press conference ahead of Feyenoord’s match against AZ, Van Persie was asked about Sterling’s future and reports from England that the decision regarding his departure has already been made.
“I have read it and been quoted in it, but I haven’t spoken to those people,” the Feyenoord coach insists. “Ultimately, you sit down with Raheem, sit down with his people. We are going to sit down together, and that hasn’t happened yet. That will happen next week or the week after, so that is not correct. I haven’t spoken to those people.”
Sterling has not been a great success this season, as after seven matches (three as a substitute) he has zero goals and one assist to his name and has been displaced from the starting lineup by talent Tobias van den Elshout.
The 19-year-old was given the opportunity to start on the left wing in place of Sterling in the last three matches against NEC, FC Groningen and Fortuna Sittard, where he made an excellent impression.
Sterling was embarrassingly left on the bench for the full 90 minutes against Fortuna last weekend. However, according to Van Persie, Sterling’s departure after this season is not yet set in stone.
Sterling hopes to continue top-level career
Van Persie’s comments on the former England international’s future come just a day after The Telegraph reported that the 31-year-old is still hopeful of continuing his top-level career.
Sterling accepts that his decision to head to Rotterdam has not paid off, but he still feels that he has a lot to give to whatever club he ends up next.
It is believed that he is keen to continue his adventure outside of the UK because “the appeal of living on the Continent is huge” after a few months spent in the centre of Rotterdam. That’s quite a dramatic change after he was previously reluctant to leave London.
The report posits that Serie A clubs will reignite their interest in the winger after courting him earlier this season. Napoli and Juventus previously explored a deal for him.
Van Persie also under scrutiny
Sterling’s disappointing spell at Feyenoord also raises questions over the future of Van Persie. Although the Eredivisie giants can confirm Champions League qualification this weekend, it has been a disappointing season.
Van Persie was under incredible pressure when the signing of Sterling was announced. His arrival was as much a sporting decision as it was a vote of confidence for the manager during a difficult spell.
However, the failure of Sterling to perform has only increased doubts over Van Persie’s suitability for the job. Should he stay in the job, there is bound to be plenty of personnel turnover.
The former striker, though, is not interested in this discussion. “I prefer not to talk about that right now,” he said. “The full focus must be on Sunday. What happens in the coming weeks regarding staff and potential players remains to be seen.”
For Feyenoord, the focus will now be on finishing second. A victory against AZ is enough for that, after which they are guaranteed to play in the Champions League next season.
For challengers NEC and Ajax, the door can really only be opened if Feyenoord lose twice in the next two matches.
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