“I wasn’t even gonna go” – Cole Palmer on story behind Chelsea move
“I wasn’t even gonna go” – Cole Palmer on story behind Chelsea move. Chelsea star Cole Palmer has revealed how he almost missed out on the chance of becoming Stamford Bridge’s hottest talent and fans favourite after coming close to rejecting a move to west London.
The former Manchester City midfielder left his boyhood club to join the Blues in the summer of 2023. His first season at Chelsea brought immense success, seeing Palmer become not only one of the brightest talents at the club, but one of the Premier League and Europe’s most exciting players also.
He’s netted seven goals and provided 5 assists in 13 appearances already this season, four of which came in the first half of Chelsea’s victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in September. His 27 goals last time out remain an incredible feat, but Palmer has now admitted that he initially “wasn’t going to” accept a move to the capital.
Speaking to GQ magazine, Cole said;
“I wasn’t even gonna go [to] Chelsea, I got persuaded.”
He did however, want to leave his childhood club, knowing fully well he’d struggle to earn game time in Pep Guardiola‘s team.
“I just knew I wasn’t going to play as much as I wanted to. Even when I was going to England [camps] with younger age groups, you 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’re trying to agree a fee’. Every time the ball went out I’d ask the kit man or the doctor if they’ve agreed the fee yet.
“So I didn’t really get a chance to see many people and say I’m going. I just had to get my stuff. I messaged the group chat, said ‘Thanks and everything. I’m gone.’ That was it.”
The brutal reality of having to leave his boyhood club to join Chelsea, was soon sweetened by his welcome reception at Stamford Bridge, becoming a vital member of the team and fan favourite team almost immediately.
Palmer has featured in every of his side’s Premier League fixtures so far this year, and is expected to remain a key part of Enzo Maresca‘s plans for the foreseeable future.
