The story of Cole Palmer's Chelsea transfer from Man City was quite brutal in places. That is in part the nature of the beast when dealing with players as a commodity. Yet Palmer's own Michael Jordan-esque winning mentality (at any cost) and calm psyche is also an interesting factor in this instance. He didn't have much time to say goodbye to all of those he cherished and admired at Manchester City FC Training Ground, nor at Etihad Stadium. His WhatsApp group message is revealing in another sense too. "Thanks and everything, I’m gone" he said in brusque fashion, which he did explain.
The exciting playmaker also recently revealed more stunning information on his fledgling yet inspiring early career. During a high profile interview of late, Palmer divulged something that a few Blues fans might not be pleased with. Palmer acknowledged that he wasn't sure about signing for the west London side at first. Nor was he certain that the English capital was the place for him, he previously declared. So, what's the surely generational talent been up to? And what's he been saying lately? All is revealed.
Cole Palmer is Ice-cold - to his benefit
I'll freely admit that I am a huge Palmer fan. Some of his exquisite play was a breath of fresh air in the Premier League over the previous year or so. It's not that the top-flight had gone stale at all, but it needed shaking up by inescapable talent.
The young but fearless and adept attacker was like a bolt from the blue. First of all it was Sky Blue at City; he eventually became like a bolt of lightning in Chelsea Blue. And CFC haven't looked back; recruitment still probably can't believe their luck at the relatively cheap £40 million for a somewhat priceless athlete.
I'll also disclose that I didn't quite see the promise a few years ago when Palmer was under Pep Guardiola at MCFC. Although, it did not take him long to win the whole footballing world over once he arrived at Stamford Bridge with Chels'.
The former's nonchalance, or even insouciance, in the face of such pressure definitely aided acclimatising in London, and subsequently with more EPL starts. Even when he left the Citizens, his message to his ex-teammates was terse in the extreme. Detaching himself possibly helped the footballer:
"To Palmer’s delight, a deal was eventually struck, although there were few people left at the training ground to say goodbye to. He added: 'So I didn’t really get a chance to see many people and say I’m going. I just had to get my stuff.'Cole Palmer
He then sent a simple five-word message to his soon-to-be former City team-mates. He revealed: “I messaged the group chat, ‘Thanks and everything. I’m gone’. That was it.”"
What could have been
Palmer admits he had to be convinced to join Chelsea. You can read his own comments below:
"I wasn’t even gonna go [to] Chelsea. I got persuaded [by his manager]. I just knew I wasn’t going to play as much as I wanted to.Cole Palmer
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."