Raheem Sterling: Feyenoord move training to Belgium to accommodate England forward

Feyenoord will train in Belgium this week instead of their home in Rotterdam so signing Raheem Sterling can work with his new team-mates.

England forward Sterling joined Feyenoord last week after leaving Chelsea by mutual consent but he can not train or play in the Netherlands until he is granted a work permit.

Manager Robin van Persie says he has moved his side’s training to Tubize – which is around 137km from Rotterdam – to allow the 31-year-old to gel with his new team-mates as quickly as possible.

“One of the reasons is that Sterling can train with the team,” said Van Persie.

“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.”

Feyenoord plan to return to Rotterdam after Wednesday’s training session and are hoping Sterling’s work permit is granted in time for their home match against Telstar on Sunday.

Sterling, who has also played for Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal, spent time discussing numerous options after leaving Chelsea.

Sources told BBC Sport that around 18 clubs in England and across Europe expressed an interest in him, before he decided to join Feyenoord.

The 16-time Dutch champions are second in the Eredivisie table, 14 points behind league leaders PSV.

Sterling has scored 20 goals in 82 international appearances for England but has not played for the Three Lions since 2022.