Retiring from football after almost 20 years, Danny Drinkwater reflects on his career from sitting on the bench at Man Utd to winning the Premier League with Leicester. He discusses working with legends like Ronaldo and Ferguson, as well as his struggle with mental health and personal growth. Sharing his lowest point and the importance of mental health care, Danny emphasizes finding practical solutions to unhappiness.
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Quick takeaways
Maintaining a strong sense of self and prioritizing mental well-being is crucial in the high-pressure world of professional football.
The success of Leicester City was due to a strong team bond and personal balance.
External pressures, public criticism, and personal difficulties can have a significant impact on mental health, highlighting the need for kindness and self-care.
Deep dives
Struggles and Retirement Announcement
Danny Drinkwater reflects on his career in professional football and announces his retirement. He discusses the challenges he faced, including feeling undervalued and not being able to enjoy the game as much as he wanted.
The Highs and Lows at Leicester
Drinkwater reminisces about his time at Leicester City, where he won the Premier League and reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League. He highlights the strong team bond and personal balance that contributed to their success.
Mental Health Struggles and Seeking Help
Drinkwater opens up about his mental health struggles and the importance of seeking help. He discusses the impact of external pressures, public criticism, and personal difficulties, emphasizing the need for kindness and self-care.
Struggles at Chelsea
The podcast episode delves into the difficulties and challenges Danny Drinkwater faced during his time at Chelsea. He speaks about feeling out of place and not receiving the playing time he had hoped for. Drinkwater discusses his frustration and the impact it had on his mental state, leading to a lack of focus and indulgence in London's nightlife. Despite his efforts to reset expectations and prove himself, injuries further hampered his career at Chelsea. Ultimately, Drinkwater reflects on this period as a low point and acknowledges the impact it had on his overall journey.
Lessons and Moving Forward
Throughout the podcast episode, Danny Drinkwater shares valuable insights and lessons learned from his experiences. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and maintaining a strong sense of self amidst the pressures of professional football. Drinkwater highlights the significance of balance and stability in one's career and personal life. He also expresses gratitude for the opportunities he had, including winning the Premier League and playing for England. As Drinkwater enters a new chapter in his life, he hopes to use his experiences to help others and provide perspective on the challenges faced in the world of professional sports.
Danny Drinkwater joins us on High Performance, taking this opportunity to announce his retirement from professional football. After an almost 20 year career, Danny takes some time to look back on his accomplishments, greatest lessons and biggest challenges.
After rising through the Youth Academy at Manchester United, Danny played for some of the country’s biggest clubs, including Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Leicester City. He takes Jake and Damian through his football career; from sitting on the bench at Manchester United aged 18, to being a key part of Leicester City’s Premier League winning squad. He shares the emotional rollercoaster of winning the Premier League, as well as the painful moment his Euro's opportunity was taken away. Having worked with legendary figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sir Alex Ferguson and Claudio Ranieri, Danny reflects on how they inspired and challenged him, both in his career and personal life.
Danny delves into what he believes makes a great football manager, emphasising the significance of personal management to bring out the best in players and build team momentum. They also discuss Danny’s difficult reality with mental health struggles, including dealing with rejection after new offers failed to materialise. Reflecting on his lowest point when he was arrested for drink-driving in 2019, Danny highlights the importance of mental health care and finding practical solutions to unhappiness.
This is a conversation about personal growth, overcoming the darkest moments and moving to a brighter future.
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