Drinkwater signs for Chelsea.

[UniFox21]

1 minute ago, J.Lisemore said:

A bitter pill to swallow really, been a key player for us over the years. I don't think any LCFC fan would have predicted him to go in this window. Part of me hopes he rots away at Chelsea, after telling us fans that he was committed to the club until retirement.

Always take what players say with a pinch of salt as money talks, the old loyal footballer is a dying breed, most jump at the chance of more money or winning a trophy from the bench 

[Izzy]

Meh

[murphy]

£35mn for a payer who hasn't played well since 2016 and has been (is) managing a long term injury is good business for us.  Throw in Silva and a 13mn profit and it's even better.

 

Good deal all round.

[sk3since03]

Disapointing way to leave and to lose a key member of our title winning squad

 

But then i think we've just recieved 35m for Danny Drinkwater and it makes it all better 

 

See ya Danny hope your Chelsea career  receeds as quick as your hairline has  

[weller54]

10 minutes ago, murphy said:

Here's a clue:

 

Begins with 'R', ends with 'e' and has 'elease claus' in between.

No!.. 

Still not sure.. 

I give up,  what it is then? 

[les-tah]

He has been a very good servant but was Absolutely Pathetic and Pants and a waste of space last year. onward and upwards and move on as a club with great signings. This will not affect us like Kante did.

[Bob Weasel Fox]

7 hours ago, bridport007 said:

 

Cvnt

[ZeGuy]

No personal statement, no thanks?

[MC Prussian]

1 hour ago, Staff said:

I am going to rant a little.

 

In 2015/16 we signed Kante, He did not want to join us initially, yet he signed and gave absolutely everything in the City shirt and played such a massive part in us winning the league. I think its fair to say that without him, we wouldn't have won the league and probably wouldn't have had such amazing memories of champions league nights down the King Power.

 

So we offer him a new bumper contract, yet he says he wants to wait until after the Euro's to make a decision on his future. He has a great tournament, and it becomes apparent afterwards that he wants move on. Unfortunately for us, he has a buy out clause in his contract, probably one of the key factors in us managing to sign him in the first place. Chelsea offer more that half on top of the release clause and he sadly leaves.

 

So called CIty fans on social media and on here call him a judas, a snake, and wishing him to sustain major injuries. I mean, how dare he leave us to progress his career? To a club that wasn't even in the champions league? The truth is, Chelsea are an established club, who had a terrible season due to various circumstances. It was the first time in over a decade that they hadn't qualified for Europe, where it was our first time ever in the champions league. The likelihood of us qualifying for the competition again, let alone retaining the premier league was much less than Chelsea. He did the right thing for his career, which has since resulted in him winning the league again, becoming the PFA player of the year and a regular starter in the France side.

 

I was gutted when he left, but in my eyes he is a Leicester legend for his influence in helping win the biggest trophy in the clubs history.

 

This leads me to DD. 5 years he has been at the club, with very mixed consistency each season. He was amazing the year we gained promotion, and obviously played a huge part in us winning the league. Like Kante, he goes down as a Leicester hero for the title triumph. He gets offered a new bumper contract, which he accepts and states he sees himself retiring here. 

 

Last season, i think its fair to say that most of the players failed to show they were fully deserving of their new contracts which includes DD. Despite picking up an injury, he played on which was at detriment to his performances. I don't blame him, nobody wants to sit out of a champions league campaign through injury but he also got that ban for the off the ball incident at Watford. In my eyes, his performances like most in the team were not worthy of the salary they were collecting every week. 

 

At the end of the season, Mahrez releases a statement saying he wants to leave, and so called fans start jumping on his back just like they did Kante. To me he hadn't performed to the level required to gain the attention for a big move, yet at least he came out early enough to enable us to search for a replacement. We haven't received any suitable offers and therefore he remains with us. Despite this he has still turned out for us in all 3 league games this season and not kicked up a fuss, unlike Van Dijk or Diego Costa. Some City fans still want to see the back of him though.

 

Yet DD decides to hand in a transfer request this week with next to no time to get in a replacement. The timing is horrendous, and yesterday sees us scrambling to get a Adrien Silva in as a replacement whilst he is sat outside Chelsea's training ground and a fee hasn't even been agreed. He has put us in a terrible situation, and we don't even know if we have got Silva in as a replacement yet.

 

DD said he could see himself ending his career here last season, and now wants out but we here nothing from him as to why or a thank you to the club now he has moved on. He gets nothing from me next week, all he is to me now is a Judas. The worst part is people still think this of Mahrez and Kante, but at least they didn't leave the club in a situation like he has.

 

Great elaborate post and I salute you for the effort you put into it.

 

I only have two, maybe three major issues with it:

You paint a bit of a simplistic picture of people/fans being somewhat more loyal/forgiving towards some players than others (some may call it racism), essentially (and I'm paraphrasing here) praising English players (whilst ignoring their negative attributes) and slagging off foreigners (whilst not praising their positive attributes and contributions often enough).

That isn't true. Just judging by this thread, there's plenty of criticism aimed at Drinkwater.

 

That we all tend to get emotional when a key player leaves is completely normal.

However, I can't recall there being THAT much negativity or hostility towards Kanté when he left. People were sad and maybe disappointed, but many were happy for him to get his dream move. I think ultimately, our management received more criticism than the player (due to the release clause).

He was a key element in our title-winning season, but whether he was THE key element remains debatable.

Personally, I'd like to think that our success was team-based, because every single player at some point realized that we could go places, they all chipped in and the momentum kept on getting bigger and bigger. They all deserve equal praise for that feat, including the manager.

 

With regards to the Mahrez situation, he publicly wanted to force a move. Highly likely without letting the club know beforehand. Let's not forget about that. Such behaviour is unacceptable. I salute the management that we played it the hard way and didn't cave in to demands from his agent or other clubs.

It was unnecessary. He could've simply contacted the club and kept it all quiet. That he's now still with the club shows how petty the whole saga was - he now must've realized he's not that sought after that much and that he ought to honour his contract at LCFC instead.

 

Also, Drinkwater had handed in a transfer request earlier than this week, potentially already a month ago.

He has not put us in a "terrible situation", that sounds way too dramatic for the usual last-minute dealings on transfer deadline day. We were highly likely in contact with Sporting as soon as Drinkwater did hand in his request. That negotiations can drag on for quite a while is no secret and if you're professional about your job, then you make sure every single detail matters. So, it just happens to be late-night drama again.

 

Drinkwater has been at the club for five years, and in today's football world, there's not that many players you can say the same about.

I'm not saying he is without his flaws, but he was one of the main components that allowed us to play in the Premier League in the first place. For that, he deserves respect.

[MC Prussian]

1 minute ago, ZeGuy said:

No personal statement, no thanks?

How about later today? Does it really matter when exactly such a statement is issued?

I'm not entirely sure whether there is a rule that you have to deliver a farewell message within 30 minutes of a transfer.

[Tuna]

Was a massively important player for us and I've good memories of Drinky, but there was too much pressure on him last season due to the club's unforgivable negligence in failing to strengthen the midfield. He's been playing with a face like a slapped arse ever since.

 

However, he's acted selfishly and to the detriment of the football club. I think he'll be found out at Chelsea and will struggle to impose himself on the team and will be shipped out within 18 months to a West Brom or Newcastle.

[theessexfox]

Lots of very bitter fans, can't we thank him for what he's done, recognise that players are keen for career progression and are not Leicester fans, and wish him well? Life goes on, he gave his all for us and he was quality.

[DJ Barry Hammond]

 

Good luck to guy. Playing centre midfield as a 2 when the rest of the team is a shambles is no easy job when fully fit... yet, his class showed with that expert pass to Vardy in Seville that saved our season.

 

I've no doubt he'll be a hit at Chelsea - those doubting him will only add to spur him on.

 

Its very easy to feel bitter about the way things ended, but we're kidding ourselves as fans if we didn't expect anything else. I suspect Chelsea may have been interested in Mahrez too, but we told them you're not having both in one window - if that was the case, it goes to show what high regard Conte has for Danny and that he's going there as more than just English squad filler.

[ZeGuy]

21 minutes ago, MC Prussian said:

How about later today? Does it really matter when exactly such a statement is issued?

I'm not entirely sure whether there is a rule that you have to deliver a farewell message within 30 minutes of a transfer.

Yeah, we'll see about that.

 

Loved how you played down how he handed his transfer request whilst emphazing on how Mahrez's coming out at the end of last season was unacceptable. As if the club didn't know he wanted out. 

 

Both wanted to progress, thus wanting out and they're not the firsts. But one played with open cards early enough and turned up in every game (even if out of selfish reasons), then got lost in an airport, the other suddenly got injured as soon as Chelsea showed interest and went the hell out like a thief.

 

Still wish him all the best for all what he brought to the club and his decisive role in the Championship and the PL title.

[RonnieTodger]

Ironically, being on Chelsea's bench will do him more good for England than starting every week here would. 

 

Big shame to see another midfielder go, but I've got to say he's handled the situation surprisingly badly with his "injury". For all the shit Mahrez got, he's been a true pro and is the one that's stuck here! Probably should've been more of a bastard for his sake. 

[MC Prussian]

5 minutes ago, ZeGuy said:

Yeahn we'll see about that.

 

Loved how you played down how he handed his transfer request whilst emphazing how Mahrez's coming out at the end of last season was unacceptable. As if the club didn't know he wanted out. 

 

Both wanted out and they're not the firstss. But one played with open cards early enough and turned up in every game (even if out of selfish reasons), then got lost in an airport, the other suddenly got injured as soon as Chelsea showed in interest and went the hell out like a thief.

 

Still wish him all the best for all what he brought to the club and his decisive role in the Championship and the PL title.

Transfer requests should be a matter between player and the club, not the player and the public. Do we really need to know whether Mahrez wants out or not? How is that helping anyone?

I don't see what's wrong with Drinkwater keeping it quiet. For all we know, he may have even let the club know about his intentions earlier than expected/previously known.

 

He's been here for five years, pretty much seen it all as far as Leicester is concerned (hard to top that) and I don't hold a grudge against him now. He's 27 and sees this as his last chance of making it to the big stage one more time.

I don't hold a grudge against any player who wants to leave, be it him, Mahrez, Kanté or any other. It's their decision. It's the manner by which it is handled and communicated that grates me at times.

[Sir Shep]

Well he goes with my blessing and I'll always clap the guy if he ever plays against us. If someone had told me in our first season back in the EPL that we'd be selling DD for £35 M to Chelsea I'd have broken my back laughing! That said losing a title winning CM partnership for £65M does seem cheap these days but I'm certainly not complaining about the fees paid.

 

One for the statos, assuming DD did play for Man U a couple of times, there can't be many players who can say they've played for 50% of the EPL champions! 

[Joefox]

1 hour ago, Col city fan said:

So called 'bigger clubs' have been cherry picking players since football came into being. There's nothing new there.

It just reiterates once more that there is no loyalty in football. The whole thing is a myth.

Do I blame Drinkwater for leaving? No, I guess not. He'll be playing with better players and earning much more money. They are all geeedy fookers at the end of the day. This rubbish about 'only having a short career'..well let's have it right, just ONE season in the Prem these days and these players are made for life.

I do fear for us a little though. Drinkwater was the engine of the team following Kante's departure. We'll have to see how we get on without him.

Oh yea your right of course but it doesn't make it any less frustrating for me personally. It's a job for them at the end of the day. If someone offers you a pay rise and the chance to live in London your not really going to refuse. If your already rich then someone offers you the chance to become richer I don't suppose I'd refuse it either.

 

I don't blame Danny its Chelsea that **** me off. They've basically just bought him to fill the home grown quota and just inconvenienced us after having already bought Kante. That club just really grates on me.

[theessexfox]

Posted something nice on his insta, so all the precious souls who were whining about his lack of a statement at 2AM can rest easy.

[AyewJoking]

I hope he becomes a regular for Chelsea but I kind of doubt he will.

 

We relied so much on him because we don't have better options.

 

He is going to have to step up a level or two to play regularly there.

[MC Prussian]

10 minutes ago, theessexfox said:

Posted something nice on his insta, so all the precious souls who were whining about his lack of a statement at 2AM can rest easy.

 

[Guest CityFan 06]

Key for us throughout his time here. Helped us work our way up from the Championship to Premier League + European football too. 

[Stevosevic]

http://twitter.com/kschmeichel1/status/903542265272045569

 

 

 

 

 

[DB11]

 

 

[Staff]

20 minutes ago, MC Prussian said:

Great elaborate post and I salute you for the effort you put into it.

 

I only have two, maybe three major issues with it:

You paint a bit of a simplistic picture of people/fans being somewhat more loyal/forgiving towards some players than others (some may call it racism), essentially (and I'm paraphrasing here) praising English players (whilst ignoring their negative attributes) and slagging off foreigners (whilst not praising their positive attributes and contributions often enough).

That isn't true. Just judging by this thread, there's plenty of criticism aimed at Drinkwater.

 

That we all tend to get emotional when a key player leaves is completely normal.

However, I can't recall there being THAT much negativity or hostility towards Kanté when he left. People were sad and maybe disappointed, but many were happy for him to get his dream move. I think ultimately, our management received more criticism than the player (due to the release clause).

He was a key element in our title-winning season, but whether he was THE key element remains debatable.

Personally, I'd like to think that our success was team-based, because every single player at some point realized that we could go places, they all chipped in and the momentum kept on getting bigger and bigger. They all deserve equal praise for that feat, including the manager.

 

With regards to the Mahrez situation, he publicly wanted to force a move. Highly likely without letting the club know beforehand. Let's not forget about that. Such behaviour is unacceptable. I salute the management that we played it the hard way and didn't cave in to demands from his agent or other clubs.

It was unnecessary. He could've simply contacted the club and kept it all quiet. That he's now still with the club shows how petty the whole saga was - he now must've realized he's not that sought after that much and that he ought to honour his contract at LCFC instead.

 

Also, Drinkwater had handed in a transfer request earlier than this week, potentially already a month ago.

He has not put us in a "terrible situation", that sounds way too dramatic for the usual last-minute dealings on transfer deadline day. We were highly likely in contact with Sporting as soon as Drinkwater did hand in his request. That negotiations can drag on for quite a while is no secret and if you're professional about your job, then you make sure every single detail matters. So, it just happens to be late-night drama again.

 

Drinkwater has been at the club for five years, and in today's football world, there's not that many players you can say the same about.

I'm not saying he is without his flaws, but he was one of the main components that allowed us to play in the Premier League in the first place. For that, he deserves respect.

The reason I discussed Kante and Mahrez is because they are the other 2 major players from that team that have left or issued a transfer request (bar Ulloa, but that is a different story). The point of my post is nothing to do with nationalities/loyalty etc. but in regards to how Kante and Mahrez have been portrayed compared to Danny and that I don't feel it is justified.

 

In terms of the Kante negativity I can't trawl through twitter and the internet but the thread when he left is here for you to read;

I think the picture on the link says it all. I am not saying that Kante was the whole reason we won, obviously it was a collective effort. But without him last season showed how much we missed him. The fact that the actual side didn't actually change that much proves this, although tactics and other factors affected our performances. Like I said, in my opinion, we would not have won the league without him.

 

I agree with you completely that Mahrez did not handle his transfer request well at all. In my opinion he was poorly advised to do so, and in all fairness will probably come back to the club pretty embarrassed by his actions. The fact is, he has still turned up to training, he has still been playing and not gone on strike etc. and he is still here now. The club have done well to resist any offer below is valuation and now he will have to live with his actions until at least January, by which time i hope he has completely rekindled his form from 15/16.

 

Drinkwater's transfer request did put us in a terrible situation. Various reports say it was this week and without any real concrete evidence on the contrary then I will stick with that. That gave us 3 days to identify and complete the signing of a replacement. We tend to do business pretty quietly, so I wouldn't be surprised if Adrien Silva was not our first choice. Sporting knew we needed a replacement, and have attempted to squeeze as much cash out of us as possible. If we had plenty of time from when his to sign a replacement, signing somebody after midnight on TDD could and should have been avoided.

 

I know DD was a major component of our promotion, as stated in my post. He has been a good servant, but the way he has handled his transfer to Chelsea, especially after how we rewarded him last season just does not sit right with me at all and leaves me very disappointed in him. I was gutted when Kante left, but that was inevitable due to his sheer quality. I was gutted when Mahrez handed in his transfer request and issued his statement but he has responded professionally (despite whatever it was he was doing yesterday!) and will be putting on a City shirt again next week.