Feyenoord head coach Robin van Persie says Raheem Sterling is aiming to “regain the joy” in his football following his move to the Eredivisie.
Sterling has joined Feyenoord on a short-term deal until the end of the season on a free transfer following his Chelsea exit.
The 31-year-old mutually agreed to terminate his contract with the Blues in January, having been left out of the squad by previous head coach Enzo Maresca, with Liam Rosenior electing not to reintegrate him.
Sterling has not featured in a competitive game since May 25 last year, when he played 63 minutes for Arsenal against Southampton.
And Van Persie believes Feyenoord are the right club for Sterling to find his love for the game once more.
“Well, you can see that it gives a boost throughout the whole club. You see that on different levels,” Van Persie told a news conference on Friday.
“You saw it [in training] as well. Someone’s coming in, and that’s just how it is. He’s a big player, a big character and someone who has proven himself.
“And he’s here and has chosen Feyenoord, for the love of the game, and he wants to regain the joy, and he’s going to find that with us, and we’ll help him with it.
“The process starts now, and we’re all really looking forward to it. And that’s the reason that we’ve brought him in.”
Here for a new start. Whatever it takes. pic.twitter.com/0VJKP6s9Km
— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) February 13, 2026
Feyenoord currently sit second in the Eredivisie, 17 points behind leaders PSV, who have played a game more.
Sterling’s relationship with Van Persie is said to have helped tip the scales in Feyenoord’s favour, as well as their Champions League qualification hopes.
“And that’s also the reason, from Raheem’s point of view, that he has chosen us, is because we believe in each other and that we are going to help each other in that process,” Van Persie added.
“From Raheem’s point of view, to be happy again, and from our point of view, so that he can help us and gives us a really positive boost.”