Feyenoord Training in Belgium for Sterling
Raheem Sterling trains with Feyenoord in Belgium as work permit awaits in Netherlands.
“My free agent status gave me the opportunity for the first time in a long time to carefully consider the next step in my career...”
Feyenoord has moved their training sessions to Belgium this week so Raheem Sterling can join in. The 31-year-old Briton is waiting for a work permit in the Netherlands, which usually takes about a week, and the law doesn't allow him to train with Feyenoord until it's sorted.
Coach Robin van Persie said they're using the opportunity to work on team culture and have some fun together. They're heading back to Rotterdam after one more session in Belgium and hope Sterling's permit comes through in time for him to debut against Telstar on Sunday.
Feyenoord's move to train in Belgium is all about getting Raheem Sterling match-ready ASAP. "One of the reasons is that Sterling can train with the team," coach Robin van Persie said, highlighting the urgency to get the 31-year-old Briton involved.
Sterling inked a deal with Feyenoord last Thursday, and with Dutch law requiring a work permit before he can train with the team, Belgium's a convenient workaround. They're making the most of it, focusing on team culture and bonding.
“But we can also work on our team culture there. It's for Raheem and for those processes that we're going to do this,” he explained.
Feyenoord is wrapping up their training session in Belgium and plans to head back to Rotterdam after one more session on Wednesday. They're hoping to get Raheem Sterling's work permit sorted in time for him to potentially make his debut against Telstar at home on Sunday.
Raheem Sterling joined Feyenoord on a short-term deal until the end of the season after becoming a free agent following his exit from Chelsea last month.
“My free agent status gave me the opportunity for the first time in a long time to carefully consider the next step in my career,” he explained on the Feyenoord website.
Building together in Belgium 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/wElOPQSdhf
— Feyenoord Rotterdam (@Feyenoord) February 17, 2026
“After speaking extensively with (Feyenoord chief executive officer) Dennis (Te Kloese) and (coach) Robin (van Persie), I am convinced that Feyenoord is the place where I will be happy and a valuable member of the squad,” he added.
Sterling's got a wealth of experience, having played for Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea. He's also a prolific scorer for England, netting 20 goals in 82 appearances.
Feyenoord's doing pretty well, sitting second in the Dutch league, but they're way behind leaders PSV, trailing by 14 points. Coach Robin van Persie is under pressure, having seen his team go six games winless earlier in the season, but they've bounced back nicely, winning four of their last six games.
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