Raheem Sterling responds to Robin van Persie's call amid Feyenoord crisis

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Raheem Sterling was substituted in the 60th minute on his first start for Feyenoord in a 3-3 draw with NAC Breda and has now spoken out as fans call for Van Persie to be sacked

Raheem Sterling was withdrawn by Robin van Persie(Image: Soccrates Images, Getty Images)

Raheem Sterling insists he respects Robin van Persie's choice to withdraw him during his first full Feyenoord appearance, despite his desire to remain on the field. The England forward moved to the Dutch outfit in January, seeking to revitalize his career after a disappointing stint with Chelsea.

However, he has been required to exercise patience with the Eredivisie side. Sterling only managed to secure his maiden start for Feyenoord at the weekend following a handful of substitute outings - and completed just 60 minutes before being withdrawn in a 3-3 stalemate with NAC Breda.

His performance, however, did not go down well within the Dutch media. Sterling has subsequently disclosed he was reluctant to leave the pitch but acknowledged head coach Van Persie's judgement.

He said, "I felt good enough to continue, but it is the coach's choice.

"Every player wants to stay on. You want to stay on the pitch. It is understandable that it is not yet possible. It is another new step in the right direction."

Sterling continued: "We would have liked to win. We have mixed feelings about the performance. It was very inconsistent, but at times also very good. I want to get back to my old level. It was a nice attack from our side. We have to keep working on it and then more will follow."

Sunday's stalemate with Breda arrives during a challenging period for Feyenoord. The Dutch club sit second in the Eredivisie but trail table-toppers PSV by 19 points.

Sterling was taken off after just an hour(Image: Getty Images)

Despite calls from supporters for Van Persie to be dismissed, the ex-Arsenal and Manchester United ace isn't ready to give up just yet.

Post-match, he admitted: "It's not fun.

"Over the years, I've developed a thick skin. It's not fun. That's part of it. During my playing career, I also had to deal with a lot of criticism. From my perspective, I overcame all that by simply continuing to do what I loved. Now there's criticism too, which, from my perspective, there's room for. Everyone has the opportunity to express their opinion."

He continued: "I completely understand those emotions. That's what makes football beautiful. But from my perspective, I also give it a place and I can handle it well, and separate it. That doesn't penetrate their elephant skin.

"I'm not a runaway. I wasn't as a player, I wasn't as a person. And I certainly aren't as a manager either. These emotions are apparently part of it. Do I like it? No. But does it change my intentions to help the club? Also no."