Cole Palmer has opened up on his decision to leave Manchester City for Chelsea last summer and believes the move is ‘paying off’ after a maiden England call up.
Palmer has been included in the England squad for November’s fixtures with Malta and North Macedonia, following an excellent start to his career at Chelsea.
The 21-year-old made the difficult decision to leave treble winners Manchester City last summer, as the forward sought regular first-team football. He has been an instant hit in west London and scored his fourth Premier League goal of the campaign against his former team last weekend.
“It happened fast, to be fair. I spoke to someone at Chelsea and I was speaking to my dad but I really didn’t know what to do,” Palmer said on the transfer at an England press conference.
“I was just thinking about it for a couple of days, near enough every minute of the day. I just wanted regular game time.
“I spoke to him (Mauricio Pochettino) before I went once. It was a good phone call so I decided to go there. A lot of people told me what he was like with young players. Ever since I went to Chelsea I can see it. I’m enjoying working with him and excited to keep working with him.
“It was a big move for me. I’ve never been out of Manchester. Not even been on loan. To be there on my own was a big thing. When I first went there it was difficult. Now that I’ve settled in more I’m enjoying it.”
Palmer reunited with former manager Pep Guardiola during Chelsea’s 4-4 draw with City last weekend and the forward said he will ‘always be grateful’ to the Spaniard for handing him his chance at the Etihad.
“You know how good of a manager Pep is. He gave me the opportunity and platform to kick-start my career. I’ll always be grateful to him,” he said.
“Who knows what would have happened if I’d stayed? Maybe I would have played more, maybe not. The decision to move to Chelsea is so far paying off.”
