Football
Cole Palmer makes honest admission on Chelsea move as Man City exit justified
Manchester City cashed in a huge £42.5million for academy starlet Cole Palmer last summer but Chelsea have reaped the rewards after putting their faith in the 22-year-old
Cole Palmer admits not even he expected his “difficult decision” to pay off so quickly.
Palmer was one of the standout players in the Premier League last season and his haul of 22 league goals has booked him a place in England’s squad for the Euros. But it comes after Palmer decided to quit Manchester City last summer to join Chelsea in a £42.5m deal to get more regular first team football.
Palmer joined City at under-8s level and Pep Guardiola ’s men had just won the Treble but the England forward was determined to push himself to further his career. Chelsea star Palmer said: “I wanted to play football and show everyone what I could do. I felt I was ready. But I didn’t think it would go this well!
“It’s my first season and I thought I’d go there, hopefully play – but it’s gone much better than I could have imagined. I definitely feel I was justified. I came to play football. I made a difficult decision to leave Man City and go to Chelsea but thankfully it’s paying off and hopefully it will continue to do so.”
Palmer won the European under-21s Championship with England last summer and his form this season has now pushed him into the senior set-up. Gareth Southgate called him up as a reward for his Chelsea performances. He has two senior caps and a belief that England can go all the way this summer.
“There’s a lot of talent in the squad, everyone can see that,” said Palmer. “I’m thrilled I can go there to represent England, we’ve got amazing players. Hopefully the team can gel together and try to win a tournament. The fans are amazing and I just want to do everyone proud.
“I knew a few of the seniors from City and Chelsea and it was good to be there but it was very different to the under 21s. I’ve only been twice so I’m not used to it but hopefully getting picked will help me get used to it. It’s different because it’s more intense, there’s pros who have been involved for many years. It’s great.”
Palmer, who is supporting Cif Re-Kicks initiative, grew up watching Wayne Rooney as a boyhood Manchester United fan. He is passionate about supporting opportunities for kids at grassroots level because he was raised just playing with his mates, developing his own natural skill and tricks which have shaped him as a player today.
It has also made him popular among young fans who love his goal celebration. He has become an ice cool finisher and celebrates by rubbing his arms as if to keep himself warm. Palmer has had 22 goals to celebrate in his breakthrough season in the Premier League, and 25 in all competitions. His celebration was largely born out of his composed finish at Luton as he rolled his foot over the ball before slotting in while under pressure.
But he has his own favourite goal from the dramatic late win against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge when he scored the latest winner in Premier League history, clocked at 111 minutes. Palmer said: “I like the United one probably just for pure emotion. The Everton one at home, the one at Old Trafford. I’ve had a few that I like.
“All my comments on instagram were always saying cold, Cold Palmer and stuff like this so I did that celebration against Luton and it just stuck from there. I’ve got all the little kids coming up to me doing it. It makes me laugh to see the kids do it, they really enjoy it and so it’s a fun thing to do.
“It was a good goal, different to the goals I’ve scored and it was a nice one.” Palmer grew up playing football with his mates and now wants to give something back to other budding youngsters.
The Chelsea forward is backing Cif’s Re-Kicks campaign to provide kit and equipment to give them every chance at grassroots level and the chance to enjoy the game. Palmer said: “Kids growing up to give something back to the community is a nice feeling and kids deserves an equal chance. When I was growing up, I wanted new boots and with kids, that’s good to give them that opportunity.
“Growing up I saw how the cost to play football was a big problem for families and in some cases, not a reality. That’s why the Cif Re-Kicks initiative is so important to me. I’m partnering with Cif to help keep young people involved in the sport and hope to inspire them to keep chasing their dreams on and off the pitch.
“Cif is bringing together football clubs, their charity arms and non-profit organisations such as the St Matthews Project to identify those who need the boots most.
Cif is on a mission to reboot the beautiful game of football for thousands of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds – working with professional clubs and non-profit organisations across the UK to inspire on-pitch confidence through the restoration of used football boots. Teaming up with England and Chelsea footballer Cole Palmer, Cif aims to provide ‘free kicks’ to budding young players, helping them to feel pitch-ready.
Mirror Football’s top stories
From Stadium to Screen: How Technology is Changing Sports Viewing
20/7/2024 Horse Racing Tips and Best Bets – Flemington, Flemington Cup day
Indian tech hub Karnataka state’s move to reserve jobs for locals not finalised, chief minister says
Financial picture dramatically improves for Shamrock Rovers in 48 hours with Sinclair Armstrong deal and European win
Our fashion editor’s favourite affordable bag is 20% off today
Jay Shah’s Big Decision Hovers Over Cricket’s Associate Member Directors Election
Budget shampoo that adds MAJOR volume boost is on sale for Amazon Prime Day: ‘Your hair feels fuller and thicker’
Being active on your commute lowers risk of disease and mental health
Tiger Woods cops brutal Open schedule as full Round 1 tee times revealed
