Raheem Sterling has said he was pleased with his start to life at Feyenoord after he made his first competitive appearance since May 2025 on Sunday, while adding that he has not yet spoken to England boss Thomas Tuchel about a possible comeback.
The 31-year-old replaced Gijs Smal just after the hour mark in their 2-1 win over Telstar in the Eredivisie, and he was warmly greeted by the home faithful at De Kuip.
Asked if he had been in contact with Thomas Tuchel, Sterling told ESPN: “I haven’t spoken with him. Just keep playing football, that’s what’s most important.”
Sterling made the move to Rotterdam on loan until the end of the season from Chelsea — and trained in Belgium earlier this week with his new side, as he had not then received his work permit for the Netherlands.
“Been a great introduction,” Sterling said. “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 teammates and know what they’re about, so it was very enjoyable.”
Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie said on Friday that while he was impressed by Sterling’s “exceptional quality,” he was not ready to play 90 minutes yet.
“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,” Sterling said.
“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.”
The winger’s last appearance prior was for Arsenal, on loan from Chelsea, in a 2-1 win against Southampton on May 25, 2025, and has not played for his national side since the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Information from ESPN Netherlands contributed to this report.
