Former England international Raheem Sterling has been arrested on suspicion of drug-driving after his Lamborghini allegedly crashed into motorway barriers on the M3 in Hampshire.
The 31-year-old, who most recently played for Feyenoord in the Dutch Eredivisie, was detained following the incident on Thursday morning and has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
As reported by BBC Sport on Saturday, in a statement, Hampshire Police said: “Just before 9am on Thursday, we received reports that a Lamborghini was in collision with barriers on the M3 southbound, close to the Minley Interchange.
“No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported.
“The driver, a 31-year-old man, from Berkshire, has been arrested on suspicion of driving a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs, driving dangerously, possession of a Class C drug and failing to provide a specimen. He has been bailed while our enquiries continue.”
A source close to Sterling confirmed the arrest but insisted there was “no proof” of drugs in his system.
The source also revealed that the former Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea winger had endured “an extremely tough couple of years” and had been made to feel “worthless” and “forgotten about” amid a difficult period in his career.
Sterling joined Feyenoord in February on a short-term deal until the end of the season after leaving Chelsea in January. However, he made only eight appearances during his stint in the Netherlands.
His departure from Chelsea came after both parties agreed to terminate his contract, with the player reportedly receiving a settlement package covering the final 18 months of his deal, which was worth more than £300,000 per week.
Despite his recent struggles, Sterling remains one of England’s most accomplished players of his generation. He won four Premier League titles during a successful spell at Manchester City after beginning his senior career at Liverpool.
Sterling has earned 82 caps for England, with his most recent appearance coming during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
