Danny Drinkwater's Stunning Comeback: A Homecoming to Leicester City after a Year in Football Exile

Danny Drinkwater is eager to reunite with his former club Leicester City, inspired by Dele Alli's interview where he opened up about facing public scrutiny, a situation Drinkwater can relate to. It has been nearly a decade since his involvement in Leicester's promotion to the Premier League, preceding their remarkable championship victory in the 2015/2016 season.

After a year-long break from football, Drinkwater is eager to support the Foxes in their journey back to the highest league. In an exclusive interview with We News, he expressed his strong desire to return to Leicester, emphasizing the special bond he shares with the club. Assisting them in reclaiming their position in the Premier League is a personal aspiration of his.

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Watching their relegation was difficult, especially when you consider the abundance of talent within their squad.

Rather than dwelling on this setback, it should be seen as an opportunity for a fresh start. Prior to relegation, the team had experienced a period of great success, winning both the FA Cup and the Community Shield. Looking back a decade ago, the club was in the Championship, but over the following six to seven years, they achieved remarkable growth and progress.

"They're in such a better place now than when I joined, they can get back up easily."

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Danny Drinkwater won the Premier League alongside Jamie Vardy at Leicester

A year has passed since Drinkwater's Chelsea contract ended and the midfielder began searching for a new club. However, as July 2023 approaches, he is still without a footballing home. On the day of Dele Alli's interview with Gary Neville, Drinkwater also spoke to We News. As a former teammate of Alli's for England, he can relate to the challenges of dealing with media scrutiny while facing personal issues.

In 2019, Drinkwater received a 20-month driving ban and was ordered to complete 70 hours of community service after confessing to drink-driving. Later that same year, he was reportedly assaulted by a group of intoxicated men outside a nightclub in Manchester.

"Out of all the interviews, I actually watched Alli's conversation with Neville in its entirety," Drinkwater remarked.

I have accompanied him during a significant period of his career. While there are commendable media platforms, there are also those that aim to ruin individuals, both within and outside the realm of sports.

For what purpose do they engage in such behavior, solely driven by financial gain? When actively involved in the sport, it is possible to somewhat overlook their impact. However, once you step away from the game, their influence can start to take a toll, leading to the emergence of various other complications.

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After a loan spell with Reading from Chelsea, Drinkwater eventually became a free agent. Being away from the game for a year has allowed him to avoid scrutiny. This time off has provided the 33-year-old with a renewed perspective and a strong desire to return to football, as long as the right opportunity presents itself.

"It has been a fantastic year for me. I truly appreciated the opportunity to open up last year and I received valuable feedback.

However, ever since then, there hasn't been any football-related opportunity that has truly ignited my excitement. I have received offers, but none of them felt right at the time.

"If we look back two or three years ago, to my time with Chelsea, I was stuck in a difficult situation.

Currently, I have a greater appetite for playing football than I have had in years. Taking this year off has allowed me to rejuvenate and stay mentally and physically sharp. It has been a long time since I have wanted to play football as much as I did when I was 16.

"I have longed for the camaraderie, lighthearted conversations, and the structure of being in a group. While one can find fulfillment in other aspects of life, there are certain intangibles that can only be experienced within the realm of football.

"People may mistakenly believe that my yearning for a job stems from a desire for financial gain. However, it is not about monetary rewards for me.

After clinching the Premier League title in 2016, Drinkwater sealed a £35m deal with Chelsea in 2017. Although he made a solid start with twenty-two appearances in his debut season, a significant decline in playing time followed when Maurizio Sarri took charge the following season.

Reflecting on his journey, Drinkwater remarked, "I have faced challenges in the past and have emerged stronger. I have learned valuable lessons and grown as an individual. It is satisfying to overcome difficult periods and demonstrate one's resilience."

When interviewed by We News prior to undergoing a kinetic therapy session with Tendai Trafford, Drinkwater expressed how he considered himself as an undervalued asset during his time at Chelsea.

"It's in the past," he remarked. "Many people claim that I just sat there and collected my paycheck."

I spent five years at the club, and if the first three had gone well, I would have been offered a new contract with higher pay.

So, was I merely present at the club for financial gain? Or was I taken advantage of as a valuable asset, resulting in a loss of two years' worth of increased earnings?

"But I can understand people's views from outside. They might pick up a tabloid that says something about you and that's all they can hear."