Raheem Sterling arrested after M3 crash in Hampshire

The 31-year-old, who most recently played for Dutch side Feyenoord, was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving after a Lamborghini collided with motorway barriers near the Minley Interchange on Thursday morning. Hampshire Police said officers were called shortly before 9am to reports of a Lamborghini in collision with barriers on the southbound carriageway. No other vehicles were involved in the incident and no injuries were reported.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: "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 told BBC Sport there was "no proof" of drugs in his system.

The source added that the former England international had endured "an extremely tough couple of years" and had been made to feel "worthless" and "forgotten about". Sterling joined Feyenoord in February on a deal until the end of the season after leaving Chelsea by mutual consent in January. The winger made just eight appearances for the Dutch club and departed Stamford Bridge after agreeing a settlement package on the final 18 months of his contract.

The collision happened on a stretch of the M3 near the Minley Interchange, a major junction linking Hampshire with Surrey and London. The motorway is one of Hampshire's busiest routes and is regularly used by commuters, travelling to and from the south coast. Sterling won four Premier League titles during a successful spell at Manchester City and earned 82 caps for England.

His last international appearance came during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Police enquiries into the Hampshire crash are ongoing.

References

1. ^ Look inside Fred.

   Olsen Cruises' refurbished MS Borealis (www.dailyecho.co.uk)