Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare left 'disappointed' by Danny Drinkwater's deadline-day departure

Danny Drinkwater poses as he is unveiled as a new signing for Chelsea FC
Drinkwater could face a hostile reception on his return to Leicester Credit: Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Danny Drinkwater will return to Leicester on Saturday with his prospective £22million replacement, Adrien Silva, sat in the stand with his future up in the air.

Leicester manager Craig Shakespeare has admitted the manner of Drinkwater's deadline-day departure to Chelsea left him "disappointed", yet there is further frustration as Silva is not even allowed to train with his new club after the 2015/16 champions missed the deadline to register him by 14 seconds

Fifa have refused to ratify the Portuguese international's transfer from Sporting Lisbon and Silva is living in Leicester with brother Jeremy, ironically a fitness instructor, and facing the prospect of being unable to play until January unless the Midlanders can find a solution.

Leicester’s anger has only increased after Drinkwater’s £35m sale to Chelsea, with manager Shakespeare clearly hinting at tension behind the scenes before his exit, with the England international handing in a transfer request to force through the move. 

Sporting's midfielder Adrien Silva during the UEFA Champions League qualifying round play-off first leg match between Sporting CP and CSKA Moscow at Estadio Jose Alvalade
Adrien Silva will be sat in the stands and may not feature until January Credit:  Getty Images Europe

"I knew he wanted to leave as soon as Chelsea made their point [the first bid was rejected in early August],” he said.

“There is a saying that a lot of things in football will disappoint you but nothing should surprise you. Sometimes you have to go with that way of thinking.

“I have found in these first six months there have been some difficult situations and you have to really hit them head on, and go about them in a controlled and measured way. 

“Of course there isn’t just the club and Danny, there are advisors as well. It can be a complicated web at times. It shows you that you can’t take anything for granted in football.”

Drinkwater was a key member of the title-winning squad, earning a call-up into the national squad, but could face a hostile reception despite his five years of service.

Leicester remain optimistic that Silva will be their player soon, with the Football Association fully behind the Midlanders in their bid to sign the 28-year-old.

But Shakespeare was unable to provide much clarity on the issue, admitting he has never seen a case like it before.

‘He is not training. I’ve spoken to him, I feel for the lad. He is not only so keen to come, but the deal was also agreed between the clubs, it is just the finalisation,” he said.

Manager Craig Shakespeare during the Leicester City press conference
“There is a saying that a lot of things in football will disappoint you but nothing should surprise you. Sometimes you have to go with that way of thinking." Credit: Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images

“It is a very rare occasion, and we are trying to come to terms with it. It is World Cup year and he is in limbo. But he is a strong character and I am sure he will be fine. 

“You identify the players then you leave the other bits to the legal people. We review things as we go along. We will sit down and look at our system, as well.

“I would love the player to be in with us. Hopefully, when I am told the players is ours and he can train with us, we will welcome him with open arms.”

Though Silva will be unavailable and sat in the stand this weekend, Shakespeare is backing Riyad Mahrez to recover quickly from his own deadline day experience.

Mahrez declined to travel with the Algeria national team to try and push through a move but was left embarrassed after no club came in for him.

Yet Shakespeare has told Mahrez he can only improve his hopes of leaving by rediscovering the form that earned him the PFA Player of the Year award nearly 18 months ago.

“Riyad has been transparent in our conversations and I have talked to him over last couple of days. I’m in no doubt of professionalism, and commitment.”

 

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