Exploring Redemption: Danny Drinkwater Reflects on 2019 Drink-Driving Arrest

Danny Drinkwater Reflects on Drink-Driving Arrest and Ill-Fated Spell at Chelsea

A Wake-up Call for Danny Drinkwater

Danny Drinkwater, former Chelsea and Leicester City midfielder, has opened up about his struggles with alcohol and partying during his time at Chelsea. In a recent interview on Jake Humphrey’s High Performance Podcast, Drinkwater revealed that his drink-driving arrest in 2019 was a wake-up call for him.

Drinkwater, now 33, joined Chelsea in 2017 for a fee of £35 million but failed to make a significant impact and only played a bit-part role. He was subsequently loaned out to clubs such as Burnley, Aston Villa, Turkish club Kasimpasa, and Reading in the Championship. After his contract with Chelsea expired in June 2022, Drinkwater left Stamford Bridge.

The Drink-Driving Incident and Its Consequences

During his time at Chelsea, Drinkwater faced a significant setback when he was arrested for drink-driving. The incident occurred after he crashed his £125,000 Range Rover into a wall in Cheshire, just hours before Chelsea’s match against West Ham at Stamford Bridge. Drinkwater was later banned from driving for 20 months.

Reflecting on the incident during the podcast interview, Drinkwater described the experience as a “massive wake-up sign.” He spent 23 hours in a cell and had a moment of introspection, realizing that his behavior was not in line with the person he wanted to be.

Realizing the Need for Change

Drinkwater admitted that his off-field activities, including nights out in London, had a negative impact on his performances on the pitch. He confessed to using partying as a distraction from other aspects of his life that were not going well, describing his behavior as “mad” and “not me as a focused footballer.”

Recognizing the need for change, Drinkwater sought outside help and began to address his personal issues. He expressed regret and acknowledged that his actions were not reflective of the type of person he wanted to be.

Rebekah Vardy’s Involvement in Drinkwater’s Arrest

Interestingly, Drinkwater’s drink-driving arrest became part of the infamous ‘Wagatha Christie’ trial between Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy. Vardy, a friend of Rooney’s former friend, claimed during the trial that she wanted to be paid for information about Drinkwater leaving police custody, citing her personal experience with drink-driving. According to court documents, Vardy sent a message to her agent Caroline Watt, saying, “Danny Drinkwater arrested… Crashed his car drunk with 2 girls in it… both in hospital, one with broken ribs.” She also expressed a desire to be compensated for this information.

Retirement and Closing Chapter

In the same podcast interview, Drinkwater announced his retirement from professional football. He mentioned that the decision had been a long time coming and that he felt ready to officially announce it. Despite the challenges he faced during his career, he expressed gratitude for the experiences football had given him.

Drinkwater acknowledged that the transition into retirement had been aided by the fact that his enthusiasm for playing had waned. He admitted that offers from Championship clubs did not excite him, indicating that he was ready to move on from the sport.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

Danny Drinkwater’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of excessive partying and alcohol abuse. His drink-driving arrest and subsequent reflections highlight the importance of self-reflection, seeking help, and recognizing when one’s behavior is not aligned with personal values.

While Drinkwater’s career may have ended on a disappointing note, his public acknowledgment of his mistakes and his commitment to personal growth and change serve as an example for others. It is a reminder that athletes, like all individuals, are confronted with personal challenges and must reckon with their own actions and choices.

Looking forward, Danny Drinkwater’s experience can shed light on the need for support systems and resources to help athletes navigate the pressures of professional sports. Alcohol and substance abuse, as well as mental health issues, can have a significant impact on an athlete’s performance and overall well-being.

By sharing his story, Drinkwater has the opportunity to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges. His journey towards self-improvement and redemption can serve as a powerful lesson for young athletes and individuals in general.