Danny Drinkwater to leave Chelsea after five years

Former Leicester City midfielder Danny Drinkwater has said his apologies about the five years he has spent at the club since joining the Foxes as he prepares to depart this summer.

Drinkwater’s contract at the Stamford Bridge expires on June 30, when he is expected to leave, but he is reminiscing on his time at the club. The Englishman is disappointed with how his time at the club went.

The 32-year-old made the lengthy statement on social media while also highlighting positives from an entirely disappointing time at the London club.

“Me, the club, and fans are hugely disappointed with the outcome. There is no doubt about that, Injuries, how I have been treated, mistakes I have made, issues of the pitch, lack of game time… the list of excuses could be endless. I’m going to look at the positives over the past five years. I have played with great players, coached by awesome managers, worked with some brilliant staff, met some fantastic people, lived in some beautiful places, travelled the world, and won some more silverware.” Drinkwater said.

Drinkwater joined Chelsea in September 2017 from Leicester City after helping them to a historic Premier League title a year before. His transfer to Chelsea was worth £35 million in fee for a 5-year contract.

The 32-year-old made just 13 appearances for Chelsea, spending the majority of the time away on loan away from Stamford Bridge.

Since 2019, Drinkwater spent a spell on loan at Turf Moor, making more loan moves to Burnley, Aston Villa, Kasimpasa, and Reading, making 32 appearances for the Championship side last season. The midfielder made three national team appearances for the Three Lions in 2016.

Chelsea finished third in the Premier League last season behind Manchester City, who are champions, and Liverpool. They also dropped out of the UEFA Champions League in the quarter-final.

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu