In an exclusive interview, Cole Palmer shares insights on his Euro ‘surprise’, addresses criticisms of Chelsea, and discusses the overlooked Blues player poised to impress fans in the upcoming season.
During the past summer transfer window, the football world was taken aback by the unexpected move of Cole Palmer, a relatively unknown talent from Manchester City, to Chelsea, for a whopping initial fee of £40 million. This transfer significantly escalated Chelsea’s expenditure under Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership, reaching a staggering £1.02 billion. Critics scrutinized this move, questioning the club’s recruitment strategy, which they deemed unpredictable.
However, Palmer’s performance throughout the tumultuous season silenced skeptics. He showcased his talent by scoring an impressive 22 goals and providing 11 assists, earning him the prestigious Premier League’s Young Player of the Year award. Moreover, he became only the third player aged 21 or younger in the league’s history to achieve 30 or more goal involvements.
Palmer’s outstanding performance didn’t go unnoticed by England’s national team selectors. After playing a pivotal role in England’s Under-21 Euro triumph the previous year, he earned a coveted spot in Gareth Southgate’s initial 33-man squad for the upcoming senior tournament. His inclusion in the final squad seems imminent, with a possibility of even featuring in the starting lineup.
Expressing his aspirations, Palmer remarked, “I aim to be part of the squad for the Euros, something I couldn’t have imagined this time last year.” Reflecting on his journey, he added, “You’re in a room with other players and the manager, being told that reaching the senior squad is the goal. But when you look at the senior squad, you realize there’s tough competition.”
Despite always having confidence in his abilities, Palmer admits to surprising himself with his rapid progress. He attributes various factors to his contention for a spot in the national team squad, acknowledging the competitive environment.
Palmer’s skill and composure on the field make him a valuable asset for any team. Amidst challenging circumstances, he brought the calmness necessary for Chelsea to secure a place in European competition for the upcoming season.
Reflecting on the challenges faced, Palmer recalled moments when criticism questioned the team’s commitment to the club, admitting that such claims were particularly difficult.
However, Palmer emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and effort in overcoming criticism. Despite challenges, the team remained united, as demonstrated by their recent results.
One of the highlights of Chelsea’s resurgence came in a thrilling game where Palmer played a central role. In April, he scored twice in stoppage time to complete a hat-trick and secure a dramatic 4-3 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge – a team he supported growing up.
Reflecting on the emotional high of that game, Palmer confessed, “The 4-3 game against United at Stamford Bridge was probably my favorite moment.”
Despite Chelsea’s improved form towards the end of the season, the departure of Pochettino by mutual consent left a void. Leicester’s Enzo Maresca is expected to fill this void, with hopes for further improvement under the Italian’s leadership.
Looking ahead, Palmer has singled out a fellow Chelsea teammate, Romeo Lavia, whom he believes will make a significant impact in the upcoming campaign. Lavia, a Belgian midfielder, joined Chelsea from Southampton for £53 million but missed the entirety of his debut season due to injury.
Speaking about Lavia, Palmer acknowledged his talent and expressed optimism about his return to action.
Palmer took the opportunity to promote Cif’s Re-Kicks initiative, urging people to donate their unused football boots to be cleaned and given to underprivileged children. Reflecting on his own upbringing, Palmer emphasized the financial barriers that prevent many families from engaging in football, making initiatives like Re-Kicks crucial in providing opportunities for young aspiring footballers.
