Cole Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Premier League rival Man City, was the team’s standout player in his first season.
Cole Palmer settled into life at Chelsea very smoothly after leaving Man City (Image: Getty)
After making the “difficult decision” to leave Manchester City, Cole Palmer has acknowledged that he didn’t anticipate the success he has had at Chelsea. Palmer stood out as one of the most important Premier League players of the previous campaign, and his 22 goals earned him a well-earned place in England’s preliminary Euros squad.
It follows Palmer’s audacious summertime move from Man City to sign a £42.5 million contract with Chelsea, which he made in order to guarantee more playing time.
Since joining City at the Under-8 level, when they won the Treble under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, the rising England forward has been unwavering in his desire to advance in his career. Chelsea’s rising star revealed his aspirations to the Mirror, saying: “I wanted to play football and show everyone what I could do.” I sensed that I was prepared. However, I didn’t anticipate it going this well!
It’s my first season, so I figured I’d go there and maybe play, but everything has gone much better than I could have imagined, he continued. I firmly believe that I was justified. I arrived to play football. Leaving Manchester City to join Chelsea was a tough choice for me, but fortunately it’s paying off, and hopefully it will continue to do so.”
Palmer won the European Under-21 Championship with England last summer, and his Chelsea performances have earned him a place in the starting lineup. And the forward is unwavering in his belief that England can win this summer’s Euros.
Palmer said, “Everyone can see that the squad has a lot of talent.” We have some incredible players, so I’m ecstatic to be able to represent England there. With any luck, the group can come together and attempt to win a competition. The fans are incredible, and I just want to make them all happy.
Although it was good to be there and I knew a few of the seniors from City and Chelsea, it was very different from the under-21 team. I’m not used to it because I’ve only been twice, but maybe getting chosen will help. It’s distinct because it involves professionals who have been involved for a long time and is more intense. It’s excellent.”
Palmer, a lifelong Manchester United supporter who is backing the Cif Re-Kicks initiative, grew up idolizing Wayne Rooney. He has a strong passion for advocating for grassroots opportunities for children, as he developed his innate abilities and tricks while playing with his friends, shaping him into the player he is today.
Because of this, he has also become a favorite among younger fans who like his goal celebration. He’s become a calm finisher, and his celebratory rubbing of his arms has earned him the moniker ‘Cold Palmer’.
Palmer scored 25 goals overall and 22 goals in the Premier League during his breakthrough campaign. His composed finish at Luton, where he skillfully controlled the ball before slotting it in under pressure, served as a major inspiration for his celebration.
Palmer did, however, reveal that his favorite goal of the season came in the thrilling late victory at Stamford Bridge over Manchester United, when he scored the most recent Premier League winner at 111 minutes: “I like the United one probably just for pure emotion.” The Everton team playing at Old Trafford, at home. I’ve enjoyed a couple of them.
“I celebrated against Luton because everyone was saying things like “cold, cold Palmer” and similar things on Instagram, and it just kept going from there. All the little kids are approaching me to do it. The kids truly enjoy it, so it’s a fun thing to do, and it makes me laugh to watch them do it.”
Palmer’s current goal is to give something back to those budding young artists. The Chelsea forward is in favor of Cif’s Re-Kicks initiative, which aims to supply kids with all the tools they need to succeed in life. “Kids growing up to give something back to the community is a nice feeling and kids deserves an equal chance,” stated the 22-year-old. Giving children the chance to own new boots is a good idea, as it was something I always wanted when I was growing up.
“I witnessed growing up how the expense of playing football was a significant issue for families and, in certain situations, unaffordable. I find great significance in the Cif Re-Kicks initiative for this reason. In order to encourage young people to pursue their goals both on and off the field, Cif and I are collaborating to help keep them active in sports.”
“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 collaborating with professional teams and nonprofit organizations throughout the UK to restore worn football boots in an effort to revitalize the beautiful game of football for thousands of young people from underprivileged backgrounds. In collaboration with Cole Palmer, a football player for Chelsea and England, Cif hopes to give aspiring young players “free kicks” to help them feel ready for the field.
