Danny Drinkwater says he is happy that at the thought that his Chelsea nightmare is over after admitting that he wasted the opportunity to have been his best times as a player.

 Danny Drinkwater says he is happy that at the thought that his Chelsea nightmare is over after admitting that he wasted the opportunity to have been his best times as a player.

The 32-year old, who was a pivotal player of Leicester City's winning team in the 2015/16 season relocated from Leicester City to Chelsea on the 17th of January in 2017. The cost was PS35m after signing the five-year deal with the club at Stamford Bridge.

But the move did not pan out for Drinkwater He was in the sand for the majority during his stay at Chelsea and experienced a slowdown in his career with only 23 appearances for the club and scoring only one goal.

These issues are no longer a problem for Drinkwater who was released by Chelsea this summer. spoke exclusively to Sky Sports News Drinkwater, who was a former England international is simply happy with the prospects towards getting his career back in the right direction.

"I'm relieved, because it's clear it wasn't a situation that was good for me or the club," Drinkwater responded after being asked his thoughts on his Chelsea exile.

"I'm angry because of how it's gone and how I was treated - not bitter though, what ifs. It was a long time coming."

Through an acting translator and assistant manager Gianfranco Zola Sarri rather unpretentiously informed the midfielder that he didn't make it into his plans. Sarri then left Drinkwater having an hour in which to search for the right club.

"It got to the last hour of the transfer window and [I] got pulled into the office, not expected at all," Drinkwater says. "'Don't think that you're going to be part of Our plan'. This is Sarri translating through Gianfranco. and I thought "What's the matter?"

"Sarri and I were like a fire-breathing house off the field. On the field we were"crack and cheese. I asked"Why do you tell me this that I have to wait until the window is closed I'm desperate for more time'. He replied, "No, no there's clubs from abroad that you can check out ...'

"My reaction was - 'No, I've got my young son. He is my priority'. So I decided to stay until January."

When asked if he felt as if he's wasted the most productive Five years of his life, Drinkwater stated: "Yeah it's like asking yourself 'why did you throw away in the five years you've had and why?'

"If you'd been at Leicester in the first place, if you weren't injured and when the club didn't treat differently. There are no the ifs. It's a pity, 100. Don't think that I'm not enthralled by the way it's ended. I'm still kicking myself over it. However, on the other hand is the question of whether I'm going to continue to resent myself? since I'm not able to change the situation.

"Can I help myself going forward? That's why I went on loan, why I went to Aston Villa and Burnley on loan, which didn't work, and going to Turkey at the age of 30 - I never thought I'd do that. It's also the reason I dropped down to the Championship. I've been trying to do the right things. As I've tried doing them, something's gone wrong."

"I was lost" - Drinkwater about mental health issues

In the midst of a tough period during the difficult time for Drinkwater at Chelsea the midfielder admitted to struggling with his mental state, particularly when accusations of a secluded life and unhappy not playing were levelled at him.

Did he have a good time 'living his life"? What were the facts? Given his problems on the field, and numerous issues that arose off of it, Drinkwater revealed he was disorientated.

"That's not true," the man declared. "'Living the good life' can last around two weeks. You realize that you're not playing games, you're only training and I can go out with my friends and I'm single. It's amazing, I can do everything. I was enjoying it however, behind the scenes there are always things that take over.

"And as a human being, If you're not willing to talk to the appropriate people, it eats away at your confidence. I didn't realize this until later on in the process. I've always thought "I'm a big, strong guy I can handle this'.

"I was suffering from mental health issues in the year 2019I was suffering from mental health issues in 2019. Nan passed, grandad passed away, my dad was diagnosed with Leukaemia My dog died, and was drinking and driving in a way that was not my style of driving. My mistake was huge error. I was trying to help my son that was going on all the time and was taking its impact on my.

"I think when someone has too much to juggle, it can hit you. And it did hit me. And I was like 'wow', is this what it's come to? And I was lost."

He also said: "When football is going well, everything else seems easier to deal with, but when this isn't going so well, everything seems so heavy. I definitely think that's the lowest I'd been."

If asked if he had was helped, he replied: "I didn't think I was depressed, but I saw the sports psychologist and if I hadn't, I definitely think it could've gone that way because I was just fighting and fighting, and it wasn't helping anybody."

Despite the challenges that confronted Drinkwater in the wake of his Chelsea departure, he is able to begin to look towards the future.

The midfielder played playing in the Sky Bet Championship with Reading where he took part in 32 games. It was a loan period that was instrumental in helping Drinkwater gain confidence and play football again.

"I joined Reading and was hoping to be flying after just eight games. However, after 20 games, I was thinking What's going on? I didn't feel adequately fit and could not keep my focus. I was feeling like I was not really contributing to the team...and I thought "Wow, where has it gone? What's changed?.

"Then you get a feeling back. The last part of last season, it was good. A new gaffer came in, and it was good. He helped me, and I felt I was helping the team. That's probably the first time I'd enjoyed football for years."

What happens the next season? Which stadium will Drinkwater be playing football?

"There are a few offers flying about," the player stated. "It's an interesting time for football, particularly when you're in a position to be free to market.

"That season last year helped me tremendously in having all the games I played and hopefully the second part of the season showed that I still have the potential and desire to push myself to the limit.

"There are options, it's just about the decision. I love winning, so it's a difficult thing to let go at this age."

Spurs actually are creating something.

 Djed Spence passed an examination with Tottenham on Friday, ahead of an PS12.5m transfer from Middlesbrough.

The right-wing-back was in Hotspur Way on Friday, following the time that Spurs reached an agreement that could increase to an amount of around of PS20 million with the addition of add-ons this evening.

"The 21-year-old made 46 appearances for Forest last season and there was a chance he might have joined Steve Cooper's side on a permanent deal this summer," said Sky Sports Newsreporter Mark McAdam.

"But we know Tottenham are desperate to sign him and we know he is desperate to play for Antonio Conte in the Premier League."

If Tottenham sign Spence and sign him, it would make their sixth big signing of the year, following the arrivals Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison and loanee Clement Lenglet.

Spurs actually are creating something.

Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth:

"Tottenham supporters must be thinking, "what's happening during this window of transfer' as typically, they're used to waiting until the end of the week or until the deadline day to finalize their signings.

"But there's been a strong demand coming from Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici to state that we are determined to get this business completed early. We're involved in the Champions League and a different market than what we were before.

"When you consider the six signings they've made it's turning into Conte as well as Paratici's Tottenham. The signing of a player such as Ivan Perisic is a signing Conte would have pushed for. Fraser Forster is cover for Hugo Lloris.

"It seems like the loan agreement of Clement Lenglet means he has an additional defender in his the back of his mind. Conte could have one focus on Alessandro Bstoni's contract position in Inter Milan.

"Maybe if he doesn't sign a new deal, they can swoop in for him next summer. Spurs really are building something."

How did Spence do in the Championship this season?

Sky Sports' Dan Long:

In the first week of the this season Djed Spence was already started to build himself as the mainstay of the Middlesbrough team. He made 60 Championship appearances prior to turning 21 and was proving himself all the way.

Then, from nowhere it was announced that he would be sent on loan to rivals from the division Nottingham Forest, with Isaiah Jones being favored as a right wingback by Boro's then boss Neil Warnock. At the City Ground he became hot and a target for the club.

He amazed Reds supporters with his attacking goal-scoring capability and ability to take shooting from distances He was awarded Sky Bet Championship Goal of the Month in March. He also showed he's not just a one-trick pony, by putting on some impressive defensive displays as well. For an overview, Forest kept 17 clean sheets during the 39 league games he took part in without play-offs.

It was in the final stages of the FA Cup quarter-finals that he began to draw the attention of a number of Premier League teams, though there were Arsenal and Spurs among those who were said to be interested at the time.

There's obviously plenty of room to improve considering his age, however it's important to note that the loan period did not go more efficiently as it did. He was able to break in to the England U21 squad directly as a result as well.

Following Forest's win in the play-off final against Huddersfield during May Spence posted on Twitter Warnock a picture that showed him in his Wembley changing room with a smoke in the mouth and scarf tucked around his head and the trophy laying at his feet, clearly aiming towards his manager.

"Well done, Djed - I did say you were Premier League or non-league," Djed replied. "Glad you listened and took my advice on board now go and enjoy your success."

The idea that began to be a career guideline has turned into an actuality, since Spence will begin in 2022/23 with the team as the Premier League player.

Check out the transfer window for summer with Sky Sports

Who is in the process of moving this summer? The transfer window closes 11pm on the 1st of September.

Stay up-to-date on all the latest news about transfers and rumours by reading our exclusive Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports'digital platforms. It is also possible to keep up on the latest ins outs, analysis and news in Sky Sports News.

What is the situation with the cup of nations tournaments?

 The countdown to the starting of 2022/23's Sky Bet EFL season continues This is all that you should know in advance of a season which will be capped off by the very first Winter World Cup.

When was the fixture released?

The 2022/23 fixtures went live at 9am on the morning of June 23, 2023. This was exactly one week following that the Premier League fixture list was released.

When will the Sky Bet EFL season begin?

The Championship, League One and League Two seasons will begin on July 30. This is one week before the 2021/22 season started and will mean that teams will be given a 12-week break between seasons.

However it is expected that the Championship will be suspended during between seasons in order to be able to accommodate the Winter World Cup for the first time.

Therefore the fixtures that will be played over the weekend of November 12-13 will be the last fixtures before the players are invited by their respective countries to participate in the tournament in Qatar.

The Championship will resume on December 10 eight days before it's time for the World Cup final, which is scheduled to begin on the 18th of December, Sunday.

League One and League Two will run as scheduled throughout the tournament, however games could be delayed based on the participation of players in participating in the World Cup.

Three divisions are scheduled to close on May 6, 2023.

While the semi-final date will be confirmed at the conclusion of regular seasons the dates for play-off finals have been also confirmed.

League Two final will take place on May 27, the League Two final will take place on the 27th of May on a Saturday The League One final will take place on May 28, as well. The Championship will be held on May 29, the day before.

When does the window for transfer begin to open?

The Championship clubs are officially permitted to sign up new players as of June 10.

The window for transfer will be open for just a little over 12 weeks until the end of the week on September 1.

You can stay current by following the latest transfer news through Sky Sports with our dedicated Transfer Centre blog and keep up on the latest news, updates and news in Sky Sports News.

The new season brings the arrival of a myriad of new products each of which is described on this page.

What is the situation with the cup of nations tournaments?

The FA Cup third round will occur in the weekend of the 8/9 - at the same time as the 2021/22 season. However, the final will be held three weeks later, on Saturday June 3.

The Carabao Cup begins during the week that begins on August 10, Round two will be one week later, and round three taking place during the week that begins on the 9th of November. The final will be played on Wembley Stadium on Sunday February 26.

The Papa John's Trophy begins with the first group game on the week that begins on August 31. The quarter-finals are played in the beginning on January 11, and the semi-finals on February 1, and the final is played at Wembley on the 19th of March on a Sunday in 2023.

Here's how you can see Sky Bet Championship fixtures live on Sky Sports throughout July and August.

 Here's how you can see Sky Bet Championship fixtures live on Sky Sports throughout July and August.

How do I view Championship match live via Sky

In addition to the featured games broadcast online via Sky Sports Football, selected games will also be shown live on Sky Sports Football.elected events will be broadcast live to Sky Sports customers via Sky Sports Football Red Button. Sky Sports Football Red Button.

Sky Sports Football customers can watch every game live streamed on Sky Sports. Sky Sports app - simply login with an Sky iD to view and ensure you are using the most current Version of the application.

In the case of Sky Q customers, the games shown on the Red Button will be streamed in HD quality. The service is provided at no additional cost. Every game, including those played on the Red Button, will also be broadcast by their own broadcasters.

Midweek matches are also accessible for NOW Month members. But, they're not included with the NOW Day membership as well as at Sky pubs.

Please notethat we are able to show rescheduled or moved midweek games or those which are held on Saturdays at 3pm that aren't part of a regular midweek schedule by clicking the red Button which is where the respective clubs broadcast them on the iFollow application.

These are fixtures that are currently confirmed to be broadcast in real-time in real-time on Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Football Red Button and the Sky Sports app. Red Button coverage gets under 5 minutes prior to kick-off.

"Doig fee is to be reinvested in the the first team'

 Josh Doig has signed a four-year contract with Hellas Verona after deciding to quit Hibernian.

The 20-year-old defensive defender went to Italy for the final step of making the switch to Verona's Serie A club and will remain in Italy before becoming part of his Verona teammates for training in preparation for the season.

Hibernian will be paid more than PS3m for their left-back as well as add-ons and a fee for selling on in the agreement.

The Scotland U21 player played 78 times for the Easter Road side since August 2020. He scored a goal.

Doig was previously subject to attention in his club Premier League but last November signed a contract extension on Easter Road until the summer of 2026.

Verona was 9th on the table in Serie A last season and is now under the direction of the former Crawley Town manager Gabriele Cioffi.

"Doig fee is to be reinvested in the the first team'

Hibs President Ben Kensell said: "Understandably there's been plenty of speculation and interest regarding him over a lengthy period of time. However, We've been always in a solid and controlled position since the extension of the length of his contract in November.

"We were able to have good, but lengthy conversations with Verona which resulted in a perfect solution both for us and Josh.

"We are receiving an extremely significant amount of money for the club's football team, the money will be invested into the first-team squad.

"This is a great example of what we want Hibs to be; a club that gives young, talented players a platform to shine before they generate substantial fees to re-invest into the club and the playing squad. This is how we will grow as a football club."

Hibernian director Lee Johnson added: "This deal highlights the outstanding work that is being done at the academy, and also shows the way forward for our young players.

"The terms of this deal made complete sense for us. Josh is an excellent talent and I have no doubt he will go on to have a successful future."

Keep track of the transfer window in summer by using Sky Sports

Who is in the transfer market this summer, before the transfer window is closed at midnightin Scotland on September 1?

Stay up-to-date on all the latest news on transfers and rumours on our exclusive Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports'digital platforms. It is also possible to keep up on the latest news outs, the latest news and analysis in Sky Sports News.

Ange Postecoglou claims Celtic continue to sign "two or three" players during the transfer window for summer.

 Ange Postecoglou claims Celtic continue to sign "two or three" players during the transfer window for summer.

The Scottish Premiership champions have already added five new players. The most notable was the signing of the impressive winger Jota in five-year agreement with Benfica to PS6.5m following his successful loan stint last season. Then there was the right back Cameron Carter-Vickers on an agreement for four years with Tottenham.

Left-back of Lanus Alexandro Bernabei has joined in a deal valued at PS3.75m along with Dundee United goalkeeper Ben Siegrist and forward Daizen Maeda of Yokohama.

However, manager Postecoglou who guided Celtic to the title and the League Cup in his first season as manager and is eager for his team to improve and the squad to improve.

"We're still looking to bring in two or three players," the player said to Sky Sports News in Austria during the preseason tour.

"There's some areas we'll need to improve and we'll get there. The key is to get better, regardless of the events of the previous time. If we don't get the championship, then we'd look to make improvements to be victorious.

"If we can improve our performance, it will give us the chance to succeed. This is what I've been saying to my players from day one of this year. This isn't about replicating last year's success it's about becoming an improved version of ourselves this year on all fronts.

"We have gotten stronger during the last season but this season we're more comfortable. This gives us the opportunity to improve our game and give the players more aware of this.

"I do not think there's any manager who's going to claim that they've had a poor pre-season or that their signings weren't good. We all hear the same thing and it's only once the season gets underway that you can see where you are.

"The lesson for us is we didn't have a great pre-season last year and it didn't stop us from being successful. You've got to seek continuous improvement whatever your starting point is."

The signing of Jota and Carter-Vickers to permanent contracts will be an enormous boost to Celtic's future. Postecoglou is aware of the significance of signing them.

"It's not just about retaining them because they had good seasons last year, for me, if they were available this year I'd sign them anyway," said the player. stated.

"They're players who I know will improve and have their best years ahead of them. The added bonus is we already know what they're like as people and they fit really well with the culture of the group we have. They're two exciting players."

The centre-back Christopher Jullien had looked like he was about to go from the club, however, he's currently in Celtic's preseason tour.

Postecoglou elaborated: "Everyone's future is the same. Everyone's future is uncertain. There isn't any certainty as to what we will do.

"All we can do for Chris as well as the remaining guys during their time at our club is consider them to be one of our players. If something changes in the near future, it will change.

"The players have to make their own decisions about their futures as well, they know what they want to do and where they'll get their best opportunities. They're not discussions I have with the players unless they come and seek them with me."

Harry Kewell has also started working with the team in Austria after he agreed to be a coach for the first team in the last month. Kewell, a former Liverpool winger is part Postecoglou's plans for improvement this season.

"I'm always conscious of making sure every year we bring a freshness to everything we do particularly with the players," said the manager.

"We had a very successful season last year and recognize that we need to improve an amount this season. If players show up and don't see any change I don't think that is a good sign.

"Harry has had a crack at trying to be a manager and he wants to carve out a career for himself. He brings energy and enthusiasm for us."

Celtic fixture: Aberdeen test up first on Sky Sports

Celtic start the Scottish Premiership title defence at home against Aberdeen Live through Sky Sports, with the first Old Firm clash not scheduled until September.

Ange Postecoglou's champions will play in front of Sky cameras around 4.30pm on the 31st of July, on a Sunday.

The first time they meet Rangers will take place at Celtic Park on September 3 3. Celtic begin 2023 with a trip to Ibrox in January before playing their most formidable rivals once more on April 8 for their final game of the season before the break.

The Celtic's final game prior to the break of a month for the World Cup is at home to Ross County on November 12 Then they will return for action on December 17 with a trip to Aberdeen on 17 December.

Christmas Eve is the day that they play an home match at home against St Johnstone, and Postecoglou's team concludes their season by visiting recently promoted Kilmarnock the 15th of April ahead of playing Motherwell the following week the following day on April 22.

Check out the transfer window for summer with Sky Sports

Who is in the process of moving this summer? Who will be moving before the transfer window is closed at 11.59pm, on the 1st of September?

Stay informed of the latest news about transfers and rumours by reading our exclusive Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports'digital platforms. You can also keep the latest ins outs, analysis and news in Sky Sports News.

Sky Sports News reporter Mark Benstead has spent the last week with members of the Motherwell and Celtic teams in Austria to get a sense of how they're getting ready for the new season. The first stop was with Motherwell in the north region of the nation...

 Sky Sports News reporter Mark Benstead has spent the last week with members of the Motherwell and Celtic teams in Austria to get a sense of how they're getting ready for the new season. The first stop was with Motherwell in the north region of the nation...

Motherwell as well as Celtic share three elements they share this summer: both are in preparation for European football. Both teams have been spending their preseason in Austria and both teams have had time off from training but on Love Island...

I was in the middle of the two teams, trying to gain an understanding of how they're shaping up in the lead up to the start of the new season. My first visit was with Motherwell located in the northern part of the country.

"A café, and a lake that's about it. ..." one sentence of their coach Graham Alexander, two answers to his interview have almost summarised why the decision was made to fly his team to Obertraun to begin the summer's preseason. The famous ski resort is just an hour and an hour away from Salzburg and more than three hours from Vienna. In the summer, it provides only a little distractions, which is ideal for a group of youngsters who are who are focused on football and not much other.

The team has been working for a long time here. alarm calls at 6am are followed by runs of six kilometres through the woods. All this is before the having double sessions of training every day followed by a cap off with the mother of all nature's versions that of the contemporary ice bath: taking a dip in one of the local rivers or Hallstatter See, the lake located in the center of town.

A lot of dedication from them that's for sure, and lots of courage too, it is revealed. The boys saw a water snake (they have video proof) taking part in one of their swims, but they've persevered and returned to the pool every single day. This kind of courage could take you to the top of the ladder during the season!

In talking to the manager I believe two things are evident. He is, first and foremost, happy to have a less hectic transfer window. There's been a lot of chopping and changing the Motherwell team in recent times and this summer only two new players have been recruited -- Paul McGinn, and Blair Spittal. The team is still hoping to add some others, however overall, he is pleased that the team has a uniform look to it. He is able to build on the good things that happened the previous season and not having to start at the beginning.

The other thing to remember is that he's not imagining how difficult the task will be duplicate the success of last season. The club's capacity to surpass expectations throughout the past decade can lead to that people don't know the rules they have to work within. Finishing fifth and earning the European position is far beyond what the club is expected to accomplish, at the very least with regard to budget.

However, that doesn't mean the team doesn't believe there's things they can make improvements on. I was able to go on a bike ride together with goalkeeper Liam Kelly and he knows the performance, particularly toward the end of last season, could have been better. But his perspective is a sensible one "we finished fifth and know there's still plenty of room to improve, that's better than finishing ninth or 10th." Kelly has a point.

Postecoglou's Celtic

From Motherwell's mountain base , it was a short drive on to the A9 autobahn until Celtic Camp in Bad Erlach. The plan for this week is a mixture of training and pre-season games. As with Motherwell there's a certain uniformity in their squad. This summer has been about keeping players such as Jota and Cameron Carter Vickers as it has been about bringing on new players, Ben Siegrist and Alexandro Bernabei being the exceptions.

The most significant shift for Ange Postecoglou, who is preparing for his second year as the manager of Celtic and Celtic is that he's actually having the time to spend time together with the players. In the past, he spent almost no time working with the team in general, since the team was trying to recruit 12 new players with the limitations of Covid. In the summer, he's getting this time with his team and it's clear that he's having fun.

I sat and watched an exercise It was actually Postecoglou that directed the first exercise. The drill was focused on playing the ball fast and constructing attacks. It was crucially, the ball was always on the field. Once it was out or was in the net, another ball was brought back into play and the players played back to play.

Postecoglou would like his players to be more agile when they play and this in part is because they are fitter. His team has a good ability to score late goals in the year (Ross county away and Dundee United at home are two that come to thoughts) It's a bit unsettling for other teams to believe that they could be in better condition heading into the season ahead and be able to work more for longer.

There's been an obvious increase in the Celtic backroom staff in recent times - Harry Kewell is now on the team of coaches. The former Leeds United and Liverpool winger was a part of the two Champions League finals, so it's likely that the experience he brings is invaluable to share with the team however, he also brings new ideas to the table as per his manager.

As Postecoglou said to me: "If players come in and see no change, I don't think that sends the right message." Fresh faces both on as well off of the pitch could change the game and the choice of Kewell is definitely an intriguing one.

There are some players from Austria that have questions on their names as they head into the new season. Albian Ajeti is in the Austrian team, but it appears almost certain that the player will leave when a new deal is agreed upon. The Swiss striker made 17 appearances during the season. With the most recent appearance coming in December. It is safe to say that he's in the bottom of the pecking order.

Christopher Jullien is perhaps the one to be most concerned about in the in the coming weeks. He was thought to be heading for Glasgow but his plans to move to Germany failed and, with his fellow defensive partner Carl Starfelt returning from injury and a touch-and-go that will be ready to start the season, does he possibly be an option for the club? There is a good chance that he'll remain, but he has been in the pre-season squad, and one wonders what could happen in the event that he is a good player and plays the way Postecoglou would like from his centre-backs.

As Graham Alexander, Postecoglou would be keen to expand his roster of players particularly in midfield due to the loss of Nir Bitton and Tom Rogic. But one of his most important players is already within the team's engine room with the captain Callum McGregor. McGregor played 63 times for the club and national team this season, and will play a pivotal role for Celtic in the coming season.

In the present, he's trying to balance his role of driving the team through training, and that of social convener on the side. Like the situation down in the same direction in the case of Motherwell, Love Island is the most popular post-training show of the preseason. The most interesting thing is that McGregor states that it's not just local players who have chosen it for their entertainment for the evening, but the international players are taking part. I'm curious to know the thoughts of Jota, Kyogo and co think of Casa Amor... but if it boosts team spirit then who is I to judge?