Topics: Raheem Sterling, Feyenoord, Eredivisie
Raheem Sterling reminded a reporter that he "shouldn't be laughing" while asking about a chance he missed for Feyenoord in their latest match.
The 31-year-old, who joined Robin van Persie's side last month after agreeing to terminate his contract at Chelsea, made his full debut on Sunday afternoon in what was an entertaining 3-3 draw against NAC Breda.
After two prior appearances as a substitute (against Telstar and FC Twente), the former Liverpool and Manchester City winger lasted just over an hour before being replaced by Aymen Sliti.
In his post-match interview with ESPN, Sterling commented on Van Persie's decision to take him off with 30 minutes left on the clock.
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"Yeah, I felt good enough to continue but, of course, it’s the coach’s decision," he said.
Asked if he wanted to stay on the pitch, Sterling replied: "Like every footballer does. Once you’re on the grass, you just want to be in the grass. But it’s understandable. It’s another good step. (We) should have come away with a win there today."
Sterling expressed mixed emotions with the performance as he thought they could have won the game against Carl Hoefkens' side.
"There was a bit of switching off at times but I thought there was some very good football at times," he added. "We’ve got some very intelligent players and we have to keep playing that way."
After the reporter mentioned Sterling's growing connection with left-back Jordon Bos, he appeared to laugh when asking him about a missed chance in the second-half. "You should have scored a goal?" the reporter asked.
Moments later, Sterling delivered a wry smile. "You shouldn’t be laughing, my guy!" he replied, before producing a Lampardian transition.
The winger added: "But yeah, it’s one that, I said, [I need to] get the cobwebs off. I had the opportunity and that’s something, with my standards, I want to take and that would have been the game as well."
He added: "It’s a good stepping stone and next one I’ve got to get it in the back of the net."
Last month, Sterling made his much-anticipated debut for Feyenoord, coming on in the 61st minute of their 2-1 victory over Telstar.
Understandably, the winger looked a tad rusty and off the pace, having played zero minutes before the game, but Sterling was mocked by an account on social media, with a post reading: "Sterling's Feyenoord Nightmare: Is it time to call it a day?"
In the comments section, Jack Grealish, who is currently on loan at Everton from Manchester City, was far from impressed.
He wrote: "What a f***in stupid instagram post man what’s wrong with you guys. Guy hasn’t played or trained for so long. Ppl like u guys is what wrong with the world. Have some respect."
