Raheem Sterling joins Feyenoord until end of the season after leaving Chelsea

Raheem Sterling has signed for Dutch giants Feyenoord until end of the season after leaving Chelsea by mutual consent.

Sterling has been a free agent for just over a fortnight after agreeing to have his £325,000-per-week contract terminated by the Blues.

And on Thursday afternoon he announced that his next move will see him head to the Netherlands.

The 31-year-old had deliberated on his next destination – with numerous clubs across Europe keen to sign the forward. However, he has decided to join Feyenoord, who are second in the Eredivisie table and managed by former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

Raheem Sterling ‘confident’ Feyenoord is where he can be ‘happy’

‘As a free agent, I’ve had, for the first time in a long time, the opportunity to control the next step,’ Sterling said of the switch.

‘In my career. 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 Robin, I’m confident that Feyenoord is a place I can be happy and establish myself as a valued member of the team. Playing abroad is a whole new challenge for me – and one I’m ready to embrace. Honestly, I’m just excited to get started.’

Feyenoord are 17 points behind league leaders PSV Eindhoven and 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.’