Chelsea star Cole Palmer has revealed he almost missed out on becoming Stamford Bridge’s hottest talent after coming close to turning down a move to west London.
The former Manchester City midfielder left his boyhood club to join Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues in the summer of 2023. His opening season in Chelsea was a huge success, seeing Palmer become not only one of the club’s brightest talents, but also one of The most interesting players in the Premier League too
He has already scored seven goals in 13 games this season, four of which came in the first half for Chelsea. win over Brighton & Hove Albion in September His 27 goals last time out remains an incredible feat, but Palmer has now admitted he was “not going to” agree to a move to the capital.
“I wasn’t even going (to) Chelsea,” he revealed GQ. “I convinced myself.”
However, he wanted to leave his boyhood club, knowing that he would struggle to earn playing time in Pep Guardiola’s team.
“I just knew I wasn’t going to play as much as I wanted. Even when I was going to England (camps) with younger age groups, I had players there who were playing in the league every week. And you’re looking around thinking, I can play in the league when you’re not playing, it’s annoying.
“I just wanted to go on loan. I remember training on a Wednesday at city in the afternoon, and the news was “they are trying to agree on a quota”. Every time the ball came out, I would ask the kit man or the doctor if they have agreed on the fee yet.
“So I didn’t really get a chance to see a lot of people and say I’m leaving. I just had to get my stuff. I messaged the group chat, saying ‘Thanks and that’s it. I’m leaving.’ I went’. That was it.”
The brutal reality of leaving his boyhood club was soon sweetened by his welcome reception at Chelsea, becoming a vital member of the team almost immediately.
Palmer has appeared on all sides Premier League so far this year, and is expected to remain a key part of Enzo Maresca’s plans for the foreseeable future.
