Danny Simpson admits he faces an uncertain future but the former Leicester City defender believes he is still good enough to play in the Premier League.
The 33-year-old was a key member of the Foxes’ title-winning side in 2016 but left Huddersfield Town in June after his deal was not extended to cover the remainder of the Championship season.
He is currently back training with Leicester in order to maintain his fitness but will not be offered a deal by Brendan Rodgers.
Yet desire still burns within the ex-Manchester United starlet as he looks to continue a career which has seen him win promotion to the top flight with Sunderland, Newcastle and QPR.
Simpson told i: “I was at Leicester for five years and have a great relationship with the club, not just with the players but all the staff.
“Even now, four years after winning the Premier League, all the lads from that team remain really close and look out for each other.
“We’re like a family and went through so much together, with the incredible high of 2016 and then the devastating low of losing Vichai [Srivaddhanaprabha] in 2018.
“We’re in a WhatsApp group and the lads are always asking ‘how you doing, Simmo? Hope you get sorted soon’.
“Leicester understand my situation and have been fantastic in letting me train with them while I look for a new club.
“There is only so much training you can do with a fitness coach and nothing can replicate training with the lads, doing football drills and getting your touch back.
“At the moment, the market is pretty slow so it’s about staying fit and waiting for the right opportunity.
“I still have the fire, hunger and desire in me to achieve more in a game that I love. I still believe I can play in the Premier League.”
Simpson is playing in friendly games for Leicester and is keen to find a club in England rather than move abroad as he has a young family.
He added: “There is this stigma with players over 30 but I have a lot to offer on and off the pitch.
“When I was younger, I played with lads like Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton, Alan Smith and Nicky Butt.
“I took a lot of advice from them and at United I listened to the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra.
“I feel that’s where I am right now. I’m still fit and believe I can play week in and week out.
“But then I also think I can help younger players in their development. I did it at Leicester and also at Huddersfield.”
Simpson helped the Foxes to the Great Escape from relegation in 2014-15 before they were crowned champions 12 months later.
He is remaining patient as he waits for an opening and is keen to work in the media when he finally retires.
Simpson added: “Hopefully the market starts moving and there is a right fit for me.
“If I do join a Championship club then I would like it to be with a team with aspirations to win promotion to the Premier League.
“I’ve done it three times, twice as a title winner and once via the play-offs, and I want to do it four times.
“There is no better feeling in football than achieving something with your team-mates.
“Even last season, despite how it ended, I played my part in keeping Huddersfield in the Championship and I helped the younger lads there too.
“I still want to achieve more before I retire. I just need to stay patient.”
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