Raheem Sterling, a former forward for Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal, was arrested on Thursday morning on allegations of driving “while unfit due to drugs,” according to sources from the Press Association.
The Hampshire Constabulary detained him after he was found driving a Lamborghini on the southbound lane of the M3 motorway.
A spokesperson for the police stated, “Before 9 AM on Thursday [May 28], we received reports of a Lamborghini colliding with barriers on the M3 southbound, near the Minley Interchange.”
Fortunately, no other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported.
“The 31-year-old driver from Berkshire has been arrested on charges of driving under the influence of drugs, dangerous driving, possession of a class C drug, and failing to provide a specimen,” the spokesperson continued.
“He has been released on bail as our investigation continues.”
The Press Association later sought comment from Sterling’s representatives, who confirmed the arrest.
Sources close to the former England international shared that Sterling has felt “worthless” and “forgotten.” They mentioned that he has been under “immense” psychological stress following a “challenging couple of years.”
The source observed, “This highlights the treatment of players who seem no longer ‘fit for purpose’ — deemed disposable.” They added, “How can a prolific English international, who has significantly contributed to the England squad over the past decade, be made to feel this way? The psychological impact has been profound. He feels isolated. Every time he steps onto the field, he’s criticized and viewed as a failure. The negative remarks follow him, even in his efforts to reignite his passion for the game in the Netherlands. It’s been an exceptionally difficult period for him, and this incident reflects that.”
The source underscored that Sterling was arrested “on suspicion,” emphasizing that there is no “evidence of anything in his system.”
Currently out on bail, Sterling’s situation is under investigation.
Throughout his international career, Sterling scored 20 goals in 82 matches for England, playing a key role in their journey to the 2018 World Cup semifinals and the final of Euro 2020.
He rose through the ranks at QPR before signing with Liverpool, where he made his senior debut.
After moving to Manchester City in 2015, he clinched four Premier League titles, five League Cups, and the FA Cup in 2019.
Following his transfer to Chelsea in 2022 and subsequent loss of favor under Enzo Maresca, he spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Arsenal. In February, he joined Feyenoord on a short-term deal, making eight appearances in the Eredivisie.