Drinkwater Draws Curtain on Career at 33

Former English midfielder Danny Drinkwater, who once won the Premier League title with Leicester City before his move to Chelsea has officially declared his retirement from the world of professional football.

This decision comes at the age of 33, with Drinkwater citing a sense of being stuck in uncertainty since his release from Chelsea last year as a key factor in his retirement.

Drinkwater said: “I’d just like to announce my retirement from professional football. It’s probably been a long time coming, especially with the last year, but I think it’s time to officially announce it now.

“I didn’t think it would bother me, but saying it then it’s almost like scratching a nerve a bit. I think I’ve been ready for it, not stopping at my peak, and it’s simmered down a bit. that’s helped the transition.

“I think I’ve been in limbo for too long; I’ve either been wanting to play but not getting the opportunities to play at a level where I felt valued.

“I just thought I’m restless here for no reason; I’m happy not playing football, but I’m happy playing football, so do I just shake hands with the sport? It’s all I’ve known; it’s been my life since I was six or seven. It was never going to be an easy thing.

“I think the way it’s died down has definitely helped. If I were playing week in and week out and had to stop through injury or age, I think it would be trickier. I’ve had quite a few offers from championship clubs, but I never felt the burn; it did nothing for me.”

Although Danny Drinkwater emerged from Manchester United’s academy, he never had the chance to make a senior appearance under Sir Alex Ferguson before heading for loan spells at Huddersfield, Cardiff, Watford, and Barnsley.

However, it wasn’t until he signed with Leicester City in 2012 that his career took off.