Robin van Persie speaks out after Raheem Sterling banned from Feyenoord training

Feyenoord head coach Robin van Persie has spoken out as Raheem Sterling remains effectively banned from being able to train with the Dutch giants despite signing for them earlier in February.

On January 30, at long last, Sterling finally mutually agreed to terminate his reported £325,000-per-week Chelsea contract, having not played for the Premier League side since May 2024.

The Londoner spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Arsenal but struggled to nail down a starting spot, featuring just 28 times under Mikel Arteta before returning to Chelsea.

The 31-year-old former England international was then forced to train alone in Enzo Maresca’s so-called ‘bomb squad’ alongside Axel Disasi before Sterling finally left the Blues during the winter transfer window, having not been named in a single matchday squad in the 2025/26 season.

Raheem Sterling left Chelsea in January (Credit:Getty)

On February 12, the winger joined Eredivisie side Feyenoord on a short-term deal until the end of the season, with reports suggesting that up to 18 other clubs had shown interest in the player.

Sterling revealed that he had spoken to other clubs before deciding that Feyenoord was a place where he “can be happy” and “establish himself” after a torrid spell in his career.

Van Persie also claimed that he was “convinced” that Sterling would be a “valuable” addition to his side, who are currently trailing league leaders PSV by 14 points.

On Sunday (February 15), Feyenoord struggled to a 1-0 win over Go Ahead Eagles courtesy of Casper Tengstedt’s late penalty.

Feyenoord head coach Robin van Persie (Credit:Getty)

Although Sterling watched from the stands inside De Kuip, he remains unable to train or play for the side due to issues related to his work permit.

As per GOV.UK, UK citizens must obtain a work permit to be able to work in EU countries.

Speaking on Sunday, Van Persie revealed that Feyenoord will train in Belgium, where the same rules do not apply, to introduce Sterling to the session.

“That’s allowed abroad,” Van Persie said.

“We’re doing it for him, but I also want to work on our team development. We can have some good conversations and do something fun together.

“He’ll start training the day after tomorrow. We’ll see each week when he’s fit for a match. That will take some time, but that seems logical to me, since he hasn’t played for six months.”

Feyenoord return to action against Telstar on Sunday (February 22).