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Danny Drinkwater, a Premier League winner, has retired at the age of 33.
That comes after “being in limbo for far too long” following his release from Chelsea in July 2022.
“I’d just like to announce my retirement from professional football,” he told the High Performance Podcast.
“It’s probably been a long time coming, especially with the last year. However. I think it’s finally time to make it official.”
He added, “I didn’t think it would bother me, but saying it now feels a little like scratching a nerve.”
Danny also added, “I think I was prepared for it because I didn’t stop at my peak. It’s simmered down a bit, which has helped the transition.”
“I believe I’ve been in limbo for far too long; I’ve either wanted to play but haven’t had the opportunities to do so at a level where I felt valued.”
“I just thought I was restless here for no reason; I’m happy not playing football. However, I’m happy playing football, so do I simply shake hands with the sport?”
“It’s all I’ve known; it’s been my life since I was six or seven years old; it was never going to be easy.”
“I definitely think the way it’s died down has helped.” It would be more difficult if I was playing every week and had to stop due to injury or old age.
Danny Drinkwater came through Manchester United’s youth system but failed to make an appearance before joining Leicester in 2012.
He famously won the league title with Leicester City in 2016, earning him a move to Chelsea, where things didn’t work out and he spent the majority of his time on loan (with Burnley, Aston Villa, Kasimpaşa, and Reading).
