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Cole Palmer Reveals Chelsea Move Was Almost Off Until Last-Minute Convincing
Cole Palmer, Chelsea's rising star, recently admitted he nearly passed up the chance to join the London club until a close confidant convinced him otherwise. Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City, has quickly made his mark, netting 22 goals and delivering 11 assists last season despite the team’s struggles.
The 22-year-old revealed to "GQ Magazine" that joining Chelsea was never his original plan. "I wasn’t even going to go to Chelsea," Palmer confessed, sharing how his manager played a pivotal role in his decision. Despite the departure of Riyad Mahrez from City, which might have opened up playing opportunities, Palmer felt he lacked a clear path to regular first-team action under Pep Guardiola.
Reflecting on his time at City, Palmer explained that he frequently compared his playing situation to peers in England’s youth camps who were already starting in league games. This realization made him eager for more playing time, pushing him toward a new chapter with Chelsea.
As transfer talks progressed, Palmer recounted moments of anticipation and uncertainty. “Every time the ball went out in training, I’d ask the kit man or doctor if they’d agreed the fee yet,” he said, illustrating the tense wait for a resolution. Once the move was finalized, he had to leave quickly, simply saying goodbye to his City teammates in a group chat.
Palmer’s debut season with Chelsea was a breakout success, contributing significantly to their qualification for the Conference League. His impressive form continued as he joined England’s European Championship squad, where he provided an assist in the semi-final and scored an equalizer in the final, showcasing his skill on an international stage.
However, Palmer recently withdrew from the England squad due to an injury sustained in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United. Head coach Enzo Maresca, with whom Palmer previously worked at City, will be hoping for his quick recovery as Chelsea looks to build momentum after the international break with a game against Leicester City.
With his remarkable start, fans are hopeful Palmer will follow in the footsteps of Chelsea legends like Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard, aiming to cement his place in the club’s history.
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