Danny Drinkwater was part of the Leicester City squad that won the Premier League in 2016.

The Englishman joined Chelsea a year after winning the league with Leicester City, but his career has taken a downward path since then.

Danny Drinkwater was signed in Antonio Conte’s final season at the club, and he was deemed expendable under Maurizio Sarri.

The 32-year-old has now opened up on what happened during his time at Chelsea, as he courted controversy for four years.

He told Sky Sports: “I’m relieved, because it’s clear it wasn’t a situation that was good for me or the club.

“I can’t blame the club. And to a point I can’t even blame myself. I’m angry because of how it’s gone and how I was treated – not bitter though, it was a long time coming.”

“It got to the last hour of the transfer window and [I] got pulled into the office, not expected at all,” the former England international went on.

“‘Don’t think you’re going to be in our plans”. This is Sarri, being translated by Gianfranco [Zola]. And I was like ‘What?’

“Sarri and I got on like a house on fire off the pitch. On the pitch, we were like chalk and cheese. I was like – ‘Why are you telling me now? An hour before the window closes? I need time’.

“He replied, ‘No, no, we’ve got clubs abroad you can look at…” but my reaction was – ‘No, I’ve got my young son. He is my priority’. So, I decided to stay until January.”

Drinkwater was signed for £35m. After being a squad player under Antonio Conte, he featured only once for Sarri – in the 2018 Community Shield.