Danny Drinkwater Retires From Football – A Frustrating Limbo

Former England midfielder Danny Drinkwater, once an integral part of Leicester City’s historic Premier League triumph in 2016 and later a high-profile signing for Chelsea, has announced his retirement from professional football. The decision comes after months of frustration and being left “in limbo”. At the age of 33, Drinkwater reflects on a career that had its highs but ultimately ended with disappointment.

A Journey Full of Twists and Turns

The talented midfielder began his journey at Manchester United’s academy before making a move to Leicester City in 2012. It was during his time at Leicester that he achieved great success, winning promotion to the Premier League in 2014 and being an instrumental part of Claudio Ranieri’s title-winning squad two years later.

However, despite earning three caps for England, including missing out on Euro 2016 selection under Roy Hodgson, Drinkwater struggled to replicate his club form on the international stage. In 2017, he made a high-profile switch to Chelsea for £35m but failed to make a significant impact during his time there.

Frustration Mounts as Opportunities Fade Away

Drinkwater’s frustrations began when he left Stamford Bridge after his contract expired in June 2022. Despite multiple loan spells at clubs such as Burnley, Aston Villa, Kasimpasa (Turkey), and Reading – the former England international found himself without any concrete opportunities that would match his worth or ignite passion within him to continue playing.

Speaking candidly on the High Performance podcast, Drinkwater expressed his disappointment at not being able to play regularly at a level where he felt valued. He admitted that dropping down to a lower division was an option but not one that aligned with his self-worth and ambitions.

Off-Field Struggles Take Their Toll

Drinkwater faced numerous off-field issues throughout his career which further compounded the challenges he faced on the pitch. A drink-driving ban, involvement in nightclub altercations, and even headbutting a teammate while on loan at Aston Villa all contributed to a turbulent period in his life.

The former midfielder also opened up about his mental health struggles, emphasizing how important it is to prioritize mental well-being over physical achievements. He described feeling lost and drowning during darker times when football ceased to bring him joy.

A Bittersweet Reflection

Looking back on his time at Chelsea, Drinkwater acknowledged that despite overall disappointment, there were moments of happiness scattered throughout. However, these moments could not overshadow the frustrating experience as a whole.

Danny Drinkwater’s retirement marks the end of an era for English football. While plagued by setbacks and unfulfilled potential, he remains part of Leicester City’s remarkable journey towards Premier League glory – forever etched in history alongside Ranieri’s “Grandad” team.