Former Everton star Royston Drenthe has lifted the lid on the explosive training ground confrontation with David Moyes that ultimately ended his Premier League career in stunning fashion.
The Dutch midfielder, once hailed as one of Europe's most promising talents during his Real Madrid days, has revealed how his relationship with the tough Scottish manager deteriorated beyond repair during the 2011-12 season.
The Final Straw
According to Drenthe, the breaking point came during a heated training session ahead of the Merseyside derby. "We were preparing for Liverpool and I was playing as a left-winger against our reserves," Drenthe recalled. "Tony Hibbert was right-back and I was destroying him, to be honest."
The 36-year-old described how Moyes grew increasingly furious as the session progressed, culminating in a dramatic intervention that shocked everyone present.
"You're Finished Here"
"Moyes came onto the pitch, took the ball and screamed at me: 'If you don't track back, get the f*** off my training ground!'" Drenthe revealed. "I answered back: 'If you want me to defend, why don't you make me a left-back then?'"
The exchange turned nuclear when Moyes delivered his ultimate verdict: "From that day, you're finished here." True to his word, Drenthe never played for Everton again.
Fallout and Regrets
The aftermath was swift and brutal. Drenthe was immediately banished from first-team activities and forced to train alone. "I had to do fitness training with the physio for the remaining four months," he said. "Nobody spoke to me anymore."
Despite the acrimonious end, Drenthe admits he bears some responsibility for the situation. "I understand Moyes a bit," he conceded. "I was a bit crazy, a bit difficult."
Looking back, the former Feyenoord star acknowledges he could have handled things differently during what he describes as a "rebellious phase" in his career.
What Could Have Been
The fallout proved costly for both parties. Everton lost a talented, if unpredictable, attacking option, while Drenthe's Premier League dream ended abruptly after just 21 appearances.
His time in England included one memorable Merseyside derby appearance at Wembley, but the promise shown during his early career never fully materialised in the English game.
This shocking revelation provides fascinating insight into the tough love approach that characterised Moyes' successful tenure at Goodison Park, while serving as a cautionary tale about wasted potential in the beautiful game.
