Chelsea star charged with drunk driving after ‘nasty crash’ in Manchester

Chelsea players celebrate a goal in a past match [Courtesy]

Chelsea and England footballer Danny Drinkwater has been charged with drink driving following a crash.

The 29-year-old had reportedly left a party in Greater Manchester shortly before his Range Rover crashed into a Skoda at around 12.30am.

Drinkwater was reportedly with a female who he had met at the party in Hale when he allegedly crashed in Mere, Cheshire.

The duo were both treated for minor injuries, it is claimed, along with a female Skoda driver.

Debris was left strewn across the road following the smash.

He had been at a charity event at a plush bar named Victors, where revellers were urged to dress "like chavs".

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: A 29-year-old from Nether Alderley has been charged with drink driving following an incident in Cheshire.

"Danny Drinkwater was arrested shortly after 12.30am on Monday, April 8 following a one-vehicle collision on Ashley Road in Mere.

Chelsea and England footballer Danny Drinkwater [Courtesy]

"He has been released on unconditional bail and is set to appear at Stockport Magistrates’ Court on Monday, May 13."

A source reportedly told The Sun it was a "really nasty" crash, adding: "Danny's been partying like mad recently, but hopefully this will be a wake up call telling him to slow down."

Last month dad-of-one Drinkwater opened a restaurant and bar in Salford named FoodWell.

At the time he posted on Instagram: "dannydrinkwater @wearefoodwell .... The restaurant is officially open!! I hope everyone can enjoy this unbelievable place, it’s a huge passion of mine and has been a dream made possible by a fantastic team. Thank you! #fillyaboots."

The midfielder, who signed for Chelsea in 2017 for £35million from Leicester, was not included in his side's game with West Ham last night.

He has three England caps, having made his debut in 2016.

Drinkwater started his career at Manchester United, who he joined at the age of nine.

But he did not appear for the Red Devils first team before being sold to Leicester City in 2012.

At the time the team were in the Championship, but he helped them win promotion to the Premier League in 2014.

He was an integral member of Leicester's extraordinary title-winning side in 2015-16, before his move to Chelsea.

Drinkwater has struggled in London, however, and has made just 23 appearances since signing.

He has not played a competitive game this season.

Last night a spokesman for Chelsea said: "We are aware of reports but we will want to establish all of the facts before commenting."