RAHEEM STERLING played his first game in nine months after making his debut with new club Feyenoord.
Sterling, 31, hadn’t participated in a competitive match since May 25, 2025 while on loan at Arsenal from Chelsea, where he fell out of favour under former manager Enzo Maresca.
Upon Maresca’s replacement by Liam Rosenior at Stamford Bridge, the winger’s contract with the Blues was ripped up and he became a free agent last month.
That led the former England international to Feyenoord, where he plays under Premier League legend Robin van Persie.
Sterling played his first game with the Dutch giants, with whom he signed a deal until June, against Telstar at De Kuip on Sunday evening.
The Manchester City hero was brought on as a second-half sub on 61 minutes and received a warm ovation from the home crowd before helping the Eredivisie outfit pick up a 2-1 win.
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Sterling’s new challenge could raise his chances of earning an England recall, with his most recent cap taking place during the 2022 World Cup.
However, the forward is currently concentrating on his game after his long stint in the sidelines and insists he has not spoken to Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
Sterling told ESPN: “I haven’t spoken with him [Tuchel]. Just keep playing football, that’s what’s most important.”
The ex-Liverpool star dealt with some visa delay upon his move to Feyenoord and that led to Van Persie moving his squad across the border to Belgium to accommodate his new signing.
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Sterling added: “Been a great introduction. The trip to Belgium, I think that was for myself a very good one to get integrated with the boys, and get to know your team-mates and know what they’re about, so it was very enjoyable.
“I started my first game with a win, that’s the most important thing. I’m here for a new challenge.
“We have a lot of talented players on the team, so it’s important to get consistency in the team and achieve our goal.
“Haven’t played in little bit, but just trying to keep fit. Been with the team now for a little bit, so it’s just all on building a step at a time and trying to get to match fitness.
“Good to start your first game with a win, think that’s the most important. [With] The targets that we’re chasing, so a good debut.”
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