Danny Drinkwater, a former Chelsea and England player, has announced his surprise retirement after nearly 18 months away from the game.
The former Chelsea midfielder most recently played for Championship team Reading on loan, although he was unable to secure a move after leaving the club. He has decided to retire after making only 75 appearances in six years.
Speaking on the High Performance podcast, the now 33-year-old 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. Drinkwater
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“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. Read Also:
“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 was playing week in, 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.”
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