Raheem Sterling suffers Feyenoord setback as ex-Liverpool star cannot train

Former Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling has joined Feyenoord as a free agent following the end of his Chelsea contract, but the England international cannot train with his new club while awaiting his work permit

Raheem Sterling has joined Feyenoord(Image: Getty Images)

Raheem Sterling is currently unable to train with his new team, Feyenoord, due to work permit regulations.

The former Liverpool winger made a surprising switch to the Dutch side earlier this week after his contract with Chelsea was terminated during the January transfer window. Despite not having played for the Blues this season, he would naturally be eager to return to the pitch. However, things haven't quite gone as planned for Sterling.

As reported by talkSPORT, he is yet to join training sessions with his new teammates as Feyenoord awaits his work permit. Until it arrives, the 31-year-old is prohibited from training or playing for the Eredivisie team.

"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," said Sterling after joining Feyenoord.

"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 CEO Dennis te Kloese and Robin, I'm confident that Feyenoord is a place I can be happy and establish myself as a valued member of the team.

Robin van Persie has signed Sterling(Image: Getty Images)

"Playing abroad is a whole new challenge for me - and one I'm ready to embrace.

"Honestly, I'm just excited to get started.

"To Feyenoord and particularly Robin and Dennis, thank you for your patience and professionalism as I navigated this process."

Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie added: "Naturally, it's a fantastic feat that we've managed to convince a player of Raheem's calibre to sign with us.

"His football resume speaks for itself: he's a player whose qualities can change the outcome of a game without a doubt, and I am convinced he will turn out to be a valuable addition to the team as we work towards achieving our goals in the second half of this season."

Feyenoord is undoubtedly eager to see Sterling strut his stuff on the pitch. Van Persie's players currently sit second in the Eredivisie, trailing 17 points behind the leaders PSV.

They're set to return to action at the weekend, hosting Go Ahead Eagles, a match that may come too soon for Sterling.

His next opportunity to make his debut could potentially be the following weekend when Feyenoord face off against Telstar.