Raheem Sterling speaks out on Robin van Persie decision amid growing Feyenoord crisis

 Raheem Sterling claims he understands Robin van Persie’s decision to substitute him on his full Feyenoord debut despite wanting to stay on the pitch. The England winger joined the Dutch side in January in an effort to rescue his career following a dismal spell with Chelsea.'

But he has had to bide his time with the Eredivisie club. Sterling was only able to make his first start for Feyenoord this weekend after a couple of substitute appearances and lasted just an hour before he was taken off in a 3-3 draw with NAC Breda.

Sterling has since revealed he did not want to come off the pitch but respected the decision of head coach Van Persie. He said: "I felt good enough to continue, but it is the coach's choice.

"Every player wants to stay on. You want to stay on the pitch. It is understandable that it is not yet possible. It is another new step in the right direction."

Sterling added: "We would have liked to win. We have mixed feelings about the performance. It was very inconsistent, but at times also very good. I want to get back to my old level. It was a nice attack from our side. We have to keep working on it and then more will follow."

Sunday’s draw with Breda comes amid a difficult run of form for Feyenoord. The Dutch side are second in the Eredivisie but 19 points behind leaders PSV.

That has seen fans call for Van Persie to be sacked, albeit the former Arsenal and Manchester United star is not ready to throw in the towel. Speaking after the game, he said: "It's not fun.

“Over the years, I've developed a thick skin. It's not fun. That's part of it. During my playing career, I also had to deal with a lot of criticism. From my perspective, I overcame all that by simply continuing to do what I loved. Now there's criticism too, which, from my perspective, there's room for. Everyone has the opportunity to express their opinion."

He added: "I completely understand those emotions. That's what makes football beautiful. But from my perspective, I also give it a place and I can handle it well, and separate it. That doesn't penetrate their elephant skin."

"I'm not a runaway. I wasn't as a player, I wasn't as a person. And I certainly aren't as a manager either. These emotions are apparently part of it. Do I like it? No. But does it change my intentions to help the club? Also no."