Chelsea’s talent, Cole Palmer, has openly admitted feeling ‘confused’ when his request for a loan move from Manchester City was rejected by Pep Guardiola in the summer.
The highly skilled midfielder seemed destined for an increased role with the treble-winning team this season, having scored in both the Community Shield and European Super Cup final.
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Despite these accomplishments, Palmer, eager for a more assured guarantee of consistent first-team action, sought clarity from his now former manager following the arrival of Jeremy Doku.
To his surprise, the 21-year-old was presented with an ultimatum by Guardiola, who informed him that he had to either stay and compete for his place or depart on a permanent basis.
‘Initially I didn’t want to leave,’ Palmer told MailSport.. ‘I said I would go on loan and play for a year so I was ready for first team football more because I didn’t play a lot of minutes [last season]. But then Pep said “you’re either staying or you’re getting sold” and, so yeah, I just got sold.
‘I was a bit confused why they wouldn’t let me go on loan but [then] I said I wanted to go to Chelsea and I’m glad it’s turned out the way it has.’
Chelsea has significantly benefited from City’s loss, as Palmer has showcased a string of exceptional performances, indicating that Guardiola might have made an uncommon error in judgment.
Having already scored eight goals, Palmer appears poised to secure a spot in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the upcoming European Championships this summer.
In contrast to several costly acquisitions at Stamford Bridge who have struggled to justify their price tags, Palmer, valued at just £42 million, is proving to be a bargain. His on-field confidence defies his limited first-team experience.
‘I just like to always have the ball, try and make things happen,’ he added. ‘When the team is struggling a bit I just liked people to turn to me to try and do something.
‘That pushes me and the manager says “be free, express your abilities. Do what you do.” From young, I feel like I’ve scored important goals, even throughout the academies. I’ve always liked that.
‘I know my abilities and stuff but for it to go like this has surprised me,’ he says.
‘Obviously things can change so fast but hopefully this continues.’
