Ex-Liverpool star admits he 'didn't like' Raheem Sterling during Anfield stint

Dirk Kuyt has opened up on his relationship with Raheem Sterling following the forward's move to Feyenoord, with the former Liverpool star making 123 appearances for the Reds between 2012 and 2015

Raheem Sterling has found himself a new club(Image: Getty Images)

Dirk Kuyt has admitted that while he "didn't like" Raheem Sterling during his time at Liverpool, he can't ignore the forward's exceptional talent.

Sterling made his way to Merseyside in 2010 after progressing through the youth ranks at Queens Park Rangers. After honing his skills for two more years in Kirkby's youth setup, the winger inked his first professional contract with the Reds in 2012. This marked the beginning of a superb three-year stint at Anfield, during which Sterling netted 23 goals and provided 18 assists in 123 appearances.

Kuyt was a key figure in the first team when Sterling was still cutting his teeth at the club, giving the Dutchman an opportunity to get acquainted with the budding star. However, the 45-year-old's overall impression of Sterling shifted when he transferred to Manchester City in 2015.

In a chat with ESPN, the current FC Dordrecht manager recalled: "That was quite a few years ago, he was 16 then. We trained together a few times and played a few matches.

"Ultimately, I didn't like him that much because he quickly moved to a big rival. But Raheem Sterling, of course, is considered a fantastic player in English football with a tremendous record."

Despite flourishing with the Sky Blues during a trophy-filled seven-year period, which saw him secure four Premier League titles and an FA Cup, among other honors, Sterling eventually departed for Chelsea in 2022, seeking a fresh challenge.

Dirk Kuyt has offered his opinion(Image: Getty Images)

While he initially showed promise under Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca deemed him surplus to requirements upon his arrival in 2024.

A largely unsuccessful loan spell at Arsenal followed throughout the 2024-25 campaign, with Sterling failing to persuade Mikel Arteta to make the arrangement permanent.

Upon his return, with Maresca still in charge at Stamford Bridge, he found himself once again frozen out of the first-team picture.

Just four days before the January transfer window closed, Sterling's Chelsea contract was terminated by mutual consent as he sought a new club for the remainder of 2025-26.

With minimal interest from Premier League sides, Sterling remained without a club as the window shut, leaving his future in soccer uncertain at 31 years of age.

However, news emerged on Thursday that Sterling had signed for Feyenoord for the rest of the Eredivisie season as he attempts to rejuvenate his career in the Netherlands. While he may not rate the player highly on a personal level, Kuyt has outlined why he believes Sterling can flourish with De Trots van Zuid.

He added: "In football, you have to expect everything, even the unexpected. It's great for Feyenoord that such a player is coming to the Netherlands. We saw that with Jordan Henderson back when he played for our rivals (Ajax)."

He continued: "I hope he shows what I still cherish. Even though he hasn't played for a while. I always say, 'You never lose certain qualities,' so if he's fit, I'm looking forward to Feyenoord's matches. I watch all of them anyway, so now with even more interest."