Raheem Sterling Arrested on Suspicion of Drug-Impaired Driving Following M3 Collision

• Former England international Raheem Sterling was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs following a single-vehicle collision on the M3 motorway.
• Hampshire Constabulary confirmed the 31-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, possession of a Class C drug and failing to provide a specimen.
• Sources close to Sterling said the winger has endured significant psychological challenges after a difficult period in his career.

Former Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal forward Raheem Sterling has been arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs following a collision on the M3 motorway, according to reports.

Sterling was detained by Hampshire Constabulary on Thursday morning after the Lamborghini he was driving collided with motorway barriers on the southbound carriageway near the Minley Interchange.

Police confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the incident and that no injuries were reported.

In a statement, Hampshire Constabulary said: “Just before 9am on Thursday (May 28), 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 inquiries continue.”

Sources later confirmed to the Press Association that the individual arrested was Sterling. His representatives were approached for comment following the incident.

People close to the former England international have described the past two years as an extremely difficult period both professionally and personally.

According to sources, Sterling has struggled with the psychological impact of a challenging phase in his career, during which he has faced criticism and scrutiny despite a distinguished record at club and international level.

The source said Sterling had been made to feel “worthless” and “forgotten about” after falling out of favour at some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

“The psychological strain that has put on him is immeasurable,” the source said.

“Isolated. The second he touches a ball, being told he’s a flop and he’s finished. Mocked. Heckled.

“He moved to the Netherlands to escape and rediscover his love for the game but the negativity followed. It’s been an extremely tough couple of years for him and this incident encompasses that.”

The source also stressed that Sterling had been arrested under suspicion and that no evidence had yet been presented proving drugs were found in his system.

Sterling remains on bail while police continue their investigation.

One of England’s most accomplished players of the past decade, Sterling earned 82 caps for his country and scored 20 international goals. He played a key role in England’s run to the 2018 World Cup semifinals and the Euro 2020 final under Gareth Southgate.

After progressing through the youth ranks at Queens Park Rangers, Sterling moved to Liverpool and made his senior breakthrough before securing a high-profile transfer to Manchester City in 2015.

During a highly successful spell at the Etihad Stadium, he won four Premier League titles, five League Cups and an FA Cup, establishing himself as one of the most influential attacking players in English football.

Sterling joined Chelsea in 2022 but later fell down the pecking order. Following a loan spell at Arsenal during the 2024-25 season, he moved to Dutch side Feyenoord on a short-term deal in February.

The winger made eight appearances in the Eredivisie as he sought to revive his career away from the intense spotlight of English football.

Police inquiries into Thursday’s incident remain ongoing.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

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