Danny Drinkwater: 'My Chelsea career was a shambles'

Despite costing £35m in 2017, Drinkwater made just 23 appearances in all competitions, eventually being sent on loan to Burnley, Aston Villa and Kasimpasa.

The 31-year-old has since linked up with Championship outfit Reading, making his debut during their impressive 2-1 win at Fulham on Saturday afternoon.

Drinkwater has suggested that he is motivated to impress with the Royals after describing his time with Chelsea as "a shambles".

Speaking to talkSPORT, the Englishman said: "Can I paint a picture? No. It's been a shambles.

"I need to [kick-start my career]. I'm more excited about this than I have been for a few years now, especially how my career's panned out. Games, getting the enjoyment of football back, then going from there. A few have slid away, I've made mistakes, I've not played.

"I'm in the last year of my contract, so there's more than just football riding on it. I've got other things. I've just got to keep in contact with the manager, trust each other and trust the team. Hopefully they trust me and we can build on that."

Drinkwater will hope to make a second Reading appearance when they host Middlesbrough on Saturday.