Raheem Sterling’s attempts to revitalise his career in the Netherlands with Feyenoord are failing, with the England winger told to “go to Ibiza and eat paella” as his struggles continue.
Since leaving Chelsea to join Feyenoord as a free agent in February, Sterling has played six games for Robin van Persie’s side and has contributed one assist.
He was left on the bench last weekend in a 1-1 draw with NEC Nijmegen, with the 31-year-old having failed to get close to his best level after being frozen out by the Blues in the first half of the campaign.
Sterling’s level is now being widely criticised in the Netherlands, with former Feyenoord star Willem van Hanegem the latest to take a shot at the player.
“If I were Feyenoord, I’d ask for a refund and simply tell him to go home. He’s not helping anyone. He should go to Ibiza, put on his swimsuit, and eat paella with his wife,” he claimed.
Sterling to Feyenoord: A losing bet
Feyenoord had to make a huge financial effort to sign Sterling, whose wage level is far above the Rotterdam club’s typical structure.
His arrival was even claimed to be a ploy to act as a distraction from the club’s poor performances and results under Van Persie. The gamble is proving to be a misfire. Feyenoord’s results remain mediocre and Sterling has struggled to contribute in any meaningful way.
Dutch journalist Lars Leeftink told FootballTransfers: “Raheem Sterling has played five games since arriving at Feyenoord in February, three of which were in the starting line-up. His performance so far is worrying, as actions are not successful. He is unable to pass his opponent and so far we are not seeing the Sterling we are used to.
“With not a single goal and one assist so far, the production is also not there in 255 minutes.
“There are already rumours that he could move to MLS this summer, which, given his performance so far at Feyenoord, would actually be his current level.”
Can Sterling stop a dramatic decline?
Sterling has enjoyed a long career at the top level, having turned out for many of the Premier League’s biggest sides. He has played for Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal among England’s elite, but is not at that level any longer.
In his defence, before coming off the bench against Telstar to make his Feyenoord debut, Sterling had not played any competitive football since turning out for Arsenal on the final day of the Premier League last season.
During his loan spell with the Gunners, he was also given limited opportunities, scoring one goal in 28 matches, most of which came from the bench.
But his career at the elite level seems to be over, with no prospect of his short-term Feyenoord contract being renewed when it expires in June.
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