Leicester City title-winner Danny Drinkwater has described his £35m transfer to Chelsea as a “business move gone wrong” as his time at Stamford Bridge comes to an end. Drinkwater has apologised to Chelsea supporters for how the move worked out. He said he was saddened they did not get to see him at his best.
Danny Drinkwater said: “My time at Chelsea FC has come to an end. Actually feels really strange writing this. 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 off the pitch, lack of game-time, the list of excuses could be endless but I would not and cannot change what’s happened. I’m going to look at 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. Football’s a fantastic sport but this for both parties was a business move gone wrong, it’s as black and white as that. To the Chelsea fans, I apologise for how this has turned out. I would have loved for you to see me at my best in that shirt doing what I love. All the best.”
Fellow City title-winners Danny Simpson and Shinji Okazaki, as well as Chelsea players Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Billy Gilmour, were among those to wish Drinkwater well. The 32-year-old’s next club will only be the fourth permanent one of his career, having joined City from Manchester United, where he came through the academy.