Raheem Sterling has had a tough season, having not played a single minute in the first half. He has since left Chelsea for Feyenoord, and he made his much-anticipated debut last weekend.
The debut did not go as planned, and he received heavy criticism, prompting Jack Grealish to jump to his defense.
Jack Grealish Jumps to Defend Raheem Sterling on Instagram
Sterling came off the bench after the hour mark during their 2-1 win over Telstar. Feyenoord were leading when he came on, replacing Gijs Smal.
He failed to register a shot in the 30-plus minutes he played, completing just eight accurate passes from 10 attempts. The Englishman did not record a successful dribble and lost possession six times.
The poor debut saw Instagram account “Football Park” post a harsh question about the former Chelsea and Manchester City star, asking followers if the 31-year-old should call it quits:
“Raheem Sterling’s debut for Feyenoord was not exactly a success story – in fact, it looked like a veritable disaster from the Dutch club’s point of view. The English winger looked like Bambi on ice. On a downward spiral since 2022, lacking motivation, and seemingly unable to play under anyone who isn’t named Pep Guardiola, Sterling is well and truly into his twilight years. Is it time to hang the boots up once and for all?”
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Grealish defended Sterling, saying it was his first game in months and he needed time to get back to his best. He urged the account to show respect to the England international and said: “What a f***ing stupid Instagram post. Man, what’s wrong with you guys? Guy hasn’t played or trained for so long. People like you guys are what’s wrong with the world. Have some respect.”
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Sterling also spoke about his debut, admitting he was not happy but is working to get back to his best soon. The winger added that he is focused on building match fitness and said: “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.”
Sterling was not part of Enzo Maresca’s plans at Chelsea and was kept away from the first team for the first half of the season. He terminated his contract with the Blues in January and moved to the Netherlands.
