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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.” – Mirror.
Online Reporter