Raheem Sterling was given a princely welcome as he touched down in the Netherlands after agreeing to join Feyenoord.
The 31-year-old signed shirts and posed for pictures with fans before being ushered into a van.
Sterling looked in good spirits despite the overcast weather as he prepared to link up with Premier League legend Robin van Persie, Feyenoord’s manager.
He and Chelsea ripped up his £325,000-per-week contract late in January, around 20 months since his last appearance.
Daily Mail Sport reported that the 82-cap Englishman had received interest from at least 18 clubs in Europe’s top leagues.
But extensive discussions with Van Persie over his role at Feyenoord, complete with assurances of regular game time, convinced him to sign a deal until the end of the season.
Raheem Sterling was mobbed by fans on his arrival in the Netherlands after joining Feyenoord
The former Chelsea and England star signed shirts and looked in good spirits after landing
Sterling said: ‘As a free agent, I’ve had, for the first time in a long time, the opportunity to control the next step.
‘In my career. I wanted to take my time to speak with clubs and their head coaches to better understand the role they envisioned for me and ensure that I can add real value in this next chapter.’
‘Having spoken in great detail with Robin, I’m confident that Feyenoord is a place I can be happy and establish myself as a valued member of the team. Playing abroad is a whole new challenge for me – and one I’m ready to embrace. Honestly, I’m just excited to get started.’
More to follow.
