Robin van Persie reacts to Raheem Sterling debut at Feyenoord after Chelsea exit

Sterling’s contract was terminated 18 months early, with Chelsea reportedly saving around £10m in wages, though the total cost of the deal is believed to have been closer to £20m.

On Sunday, Sterling made his debut off the bench, playing the final half-hour against Telstar. Feyenoord continued their strong run, making it three consecutive wins with a narrow 2-1 victory.

Sterling did not get on the scoresheet and was not involved in any of the goals – all of which came before halftime – but manager Robin van Persie was pleased with what he saw.

“He was good and threatening. I’m happy with that,” the former striker said.

Raheem Sterling’s Feyenoord debut draws mixed reviews from Dutch media

While Van Persie seemed pleased with Sterling’s performance, and the player himself likely just happy to be back on a pitch after a long spell without football, the reaction from Dutch media was more reserved.

Pierre van Hooijdonk, speaking to Voetbal Primeur, mentioned that Sterling appeared sharper and quicker during his time in the Premier League.

He stated: “I’m not going to discount him on his debut. Let me put it this way: the last time I saw him play in the Premier League, he was sharper and looked a bit quicker.”

Wim Kieft echoed those sentiments but suggested it could be down to fitness levels rather than anything else.

“Whether it’s conscious, that he thinks I can’t push myself because I’m not there yet. I hope not, because then it won’t be of much use to Feyenoord. Or he thinks: just wait and see, take it easy,” Kieft questioned.

Sterling will have another chance to build up his match fitness soon enough as Feyenoord prepare for a more difficult test against FC Twente. While they are second in the table, they still trail leaders PSV Eindhoven by 14 points.