Danny Drinkwater reveals how Sarri brutally axed him with an HOUR of transfer window left as he opens up on Chelsea hell
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DANNY DRINKWATER has revealed how Maurizio Sarri brutally axed him with an HOUR of the transfer window left.
Sarri arrived in West London in 2018 while the midfielder was struggling to hold down a regular place in the Blues' starting 11.
But the Italian gave Drinkwater just 60 minutes notice on deadline day to say that the club planned to sell him to a side abroad.
And it left the former Premier League title winner refusing to move away from his son.
Drinkwater, 32, told "It got to the last hour of the transfer window and [I] got pulled into the office, not expected at all.
"'Don't think you're going to be in our plans'. This is Sarri, being translated by Gianfranco[Zola]. And I was like, 'What?'
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"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…'
"My reaction was, 'No, I've got my young son. He is my priority'. So I decided to stay until January."
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Drinkwater would sign for Burnley in the winter window 18 months later but made just one league appearance.
Loan spells with Aston Villa, Kasımpasa and Reading have since followed before Drinkwater finally confirmed his Chelsea exit.
He moved to Stamford Bridge for £35million on wages of £110,000 per week but the move was a nightmare throughout.
Nevertheless, the ex-England international has revealed he has options heading into the new season as a free agent.
Drinkwater said: "There are a few offers flying about. It's a weird time for football, especially when you're free to the market.
"That last season helped me massively, getting all those games under my belt, and hopefully the second half of the season showed I've still got the ability and hunger to push myself.
"There are options, it's just about the decision. I love winning, so it's a difficult thing to let go at this age."
