Feyenoord forced into drastic action as new signing blocked from training

Robin van Persie has confirmed Feyenoord have hastily arranged a training camp in Belgium to allow Raheem Sterling to train, bypassing work permit restrictions in the Netherlands.

The England international completed a shock move to the Eredivisie giants earlier this week after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with Chelsea.

However, the 31-year-old has been unable to hit the ground running due to immediate administrative red tape.

Sterling was forced to watch from the sidelines as his new club defeated Go Ahead Eagles 1-0 on Sunday, barred from even practicing with the squad on Dutch soil.

Drastic measures for a debutant

To navigate the current impasse, Van Persie has confirmed the squad will cross the border on Monday to integrate the four-time Premier League champion.

"That’s allowed abroad," the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker explained regarding the decision to move camp to Belgium.

"We’re doing it for him, but I also want to work on our team development. We can have some good conversations and do something fun together."

The former Manchester City winger has not played a competitive minute all season and faces a gradual return to match fitness.

"He’ll start training the day after tomorrow," Van Persie added.

"We’ll see each week when he’s fit for a match. That will take some time, but that seems logical to me, since he hasn’t played for six months."

Choosing the ‘love of the game’

It is understood that Sterling held discussions with as many as 18 different clubs before committing to the project in Rotterdam.

The forward insists the move offers him the control over his career that has been missing during a difficult final spell at Stamford Bridge.

"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," Sterling said.

"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."

Van Persie believes the transfer is centered on the veteran forward rediscovering his passion for football after a turbulent end to his time in London.

"Playing abroad is a whole new challenge for me – and one I’m ready to embrace," Sterling concluded.