Raheem Sterling posts after guilty pleas over crash as case adjourned to November | OneFootball

Raheem Sterling has spoken publicly for the first time since pleading guilty to serious driving offences, posting “Progress over perfection” on Instagram.

According to Goal.com, the 31-year-old pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, possessing nitrous oxide and failing to provide a specimen. He appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after a 28 May crash in Hampshire.

Sterling’s Lamborghini Urus struck a metal gate after motorists reported erratic driving on the M25 and M3. Police later found the damaged vehicle near the Minley interchange, discovering six nitrous oxide canisters. Bodycam footage appeared to show him with canisters and a deflated balloon on his lap before he attempted to move them to the back seat.

Roadside tests did not indicate alcohol, cannabis or cocaine. Sterling declined a blood sample because he wanted his solicitor present, despite being told the investigation could not wait. He later said he was tired and confused after a sleepless night, while barrister Jason Bartfeld KC cited extensive personal mitigation and voluntary steps to address difficulties.

The case marks a stark fall from grace for the 2014 Golden Boy, once a standout across seven years at Manchester City. Subsequent moves brought underwhelming spells in London with Chelsea and Arsenal, then a switch to the Netherlands. He made eight appearances for Feyenoord last season before leaving as a free agent.

Proceedings have been adjourned until November to allow pre-sentence reports. Sterling will learn his punishment when he returns to court later this year. Securing a new club may be difficult given his ongoing case and recent struggles on the pitch.

Source: Goal.com

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