Former Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal wideman Raheem Sterling was arrested in a car crash earlier this week after a tough season at Feyenoord.
Sterling was arrested on Thursday (Image: Getty Images)
Former England star Raheem Sterling has been made to feel “worthless” and “forgotten”, a source has revealed after it was revealed the player was arrested on suspicion of driving while “unfit under the influence of drugs”.
The source added that the former Man City and Chelsea winger, who currently plays for Feyenoord in the Netherlands, had suffered an “immense” mental strain after a “very difficult few years”.
Insight into 31-year-old Stirling’s health came after he was arrested by Hampshire Police on Thursday morning while driving a Lamborghini on the southbound carriageway of the M3 motorway.
A force spokesperson said in a statement: “Just before 9am on Thursday (May 28), we received reports that a Lamborghini had collided with a barrier on the M3 southbound near the Minley Interchange. No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported.”
“The driver, a 31-year-old man from Berkshire, was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while disqualified by drugs, dangerous driving, possession of a class C drug and failing to provide a specimen. He has been released on bail while our investigations continue.”
The Press Association subsequently contacted Mr Sterling’s representatives for comment. Officials confirmed the arrest.
He added: “[This case]shines a spotlight on the modern treatment of players who are no longer ‘fit for purpose’ – disposable. How prolific England players who have led England to great heights over the past decade have been made to feel worthless and forgotten.”
Sterling joins Feyenoord after leaving Chelsea (Image: Getty Images)
“The mental burden on him is immeasurable. He’s isolated. The moment he touches the ball, he’s told he’s a failure and that’s it. He’s ridiculed and heckled. The mental burden on him is immeasurable. He’s isolated. The moment he touches the ball, he’s told he’s failed and that’s it. He’s ridiculed and heckled. The mental burden on him is immeasurable. He’s lonely.”
“He moved to the Netherlands to escape and rediscover his love for the game, but the negativity continued. The last few years have been very difficult for him, and this incident encapsulates that.”
The official also wanted to stress that Mr Sterling was arrested “on suspicion”, adding: “There is no evidence against his regime.” Mr Sterling, of Berkshire, has been released on bail pending an investigation.
