Raheem Sterling breaks silence with bizarre post after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and drug possession

Raheem Sterling has posted for the first time since pleading guilty following his car crash in May,

On Tuesday, former England international and Premier League star Sterling appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court charged with dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and failing to provide a specimen.

The 31-year-old pleaded guilty to both dangerous driving and drug possession after crashing his Lamborghini Urus on May 28 and has now spoken out for the first time since his court appearance.

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Raheem Sterling speaks out after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and drug possession

Following his arrest, Sterling told police he had 'a problem' with nitrous oxide, with bodycam footage from his arrest seemingly showing him trying to move the drug to the back seat of his black Lamborghini Urus SUV.

The footage, which shows the moment Sterling was arrested and put in handcuffs, appears to show both canisters and a deflated balloon on his lap before he moves them.

Sterling's arrest came just four weeks after he returned to England after a failed spell with Dutch club Feyenoord that saw him make just eight appearances in all competitions before returning to free agency.

During his court hearing, Sterling took full accountability after the court was told he was so impaired by the laughing gas that he was unable to perform basic police station tests such as placing his finger on his nose or putting one foot in front of another.

He then pleaded guilty on Tuesday to dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation and failing to provide a specimen after a single vehicle collision at 8.45am on May 28.

Now, Sterling appears to have made a promise both to fans and himself to get better following this incident with a post on Instagram simply captioned: "Progress Over Perfection."

The social media post shared a series of photos and videos of what appears to be business meetings as well as indoor football matches and gym workouts.

In one photo, Sterling shared some graffiti stating: "The goal is simple. Be better than yesterday."

Until now, the former England player had not spoken publicly since his court hearing, with a full statement addressing the case yet to come.

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What punishment Raheem Sterling could face after being found guilty of dangerous driving?

Following his plea in court, Sterling could now face up to two years in prison for the charges, essentially putting an end to his professional football career.

This could come alongside an unlimited fine and a mandatory driving ban of at least 12 months, followed by an extended retest.

Because the crash caused property damage to a metal gate and a roadside sign, the case falls within the most serious guideline category with a starting point of 18 months’ custody.

However, because two years in prison is listed as the maximum sentence in UK law, there is still a chance he avoids serving time.

Sterling’s early guilty pleas, a lack of reported injuries to others, previous good character and any treatment he is willing to take for nitrous-oxide misuse could also count in mitigation.

This means that it is perhaps more likely he will receive a short, potentially suspended, sentence.

On November 25, we could learn his punishment as the magistrates will either sentence him or, if they believe their powers are insufficient, send the case to the Crown Court.