‘I can’t blame Chelsea but I’m angry’ – Player reveals after leaving Chelsea
Danny Drinkwater was a member of the 2016 Premier League champion Leicester City team.
The Englishman’s career has subsequently taken a downhill turn after he joined Chelsea a year after Leicester City won the title.
Danny Drinkwater joined the team during Antonio Conte’s final campaign as manager, and Maurizio Sarri regarded him disposable.
The 32-year-old, who for four years courted controversy, has now shared details about what transpired during his tenure at Chelsea.
He told Sky Sports: “I’m relieved, because it’s clear it wasn’t a situation that was good for me or the club.
“I can’t blame the club. And to a point I can’t even blame myself. I’m angry because of how it’s gone and how I was treated – not bitter though, it was a long time coming.”
“It got to the last hour of the transfer window and [I] got pulled into the office, not expected at all,” the former England international went on.
“‘Don’t think you’re going to be in our plans”. This is Sarri, being translated by Gianfranco [Zola]. And I was like ‘What?’
“Sarri and I got on like a house on fire off the pitch. On the pitch, we were like chalk and cheese. I was like – ‘Why are you telling me now? An hour before the window closes? I need time’.
“He replied, ‘No, no, we’ve got clubs abroad you can look at…” but my reaction was – ‘No, I’ve got my young son. He is my priority’. So, I decided to stay until January.”
Drinkwater was signed for £35m. After being a squad player under Antonio Conte, he featured only once for Sarri – in the 2018 Community Shield.