England Star Admits Honest Manchester City Exit – Best in the World

Cole Palmer reflects on how his time at Manchester City has influenced his debut season with Chelsea in west London.

The 21-year-old, recently called up by Gareth Southgate to the senior England squad for upcoming matches against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley Stadium, has had a successful first season at Stamford Bridge.

In September, Palmer left Manchester City for a record fee of £42.5 million, marking the Sky Blues’ largest sale from the City Football Academy after more than a decade with the club.

The forward, who had been with Manchester City since 2009, made his first-team debut in the Carabao Cup against Burnley in 2020 and was part of Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning squad last season.

Prior to joining Stamford Bridge, Palmer scored goals against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield and Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup. He also scored a late penalty against Manchester City in a 4-4 draw in the Premier League in November.

Palmer has been in excellent form for Mauricio Pochettino’s team, contributing to 19 goals in 24 Premier League appearances and scoring in the Carabao Cup and Emirates FA Cup.

He is scheduled to face his former club next month when Chelsea meets Manchester City in the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley Stadium.

Reflecting on his time at Manchester City, Palmer told the BBC: “What I learned at City, I wouldn’t have been able to learn anywhere else with the manager and players there, some of the best in the world.

“I felt ready to play and thought I should go for it [joining Chelsea]. I felt prepared to play week in, week out.”

During his time at Manchester City, Palmer made 41 appearances, scoring six goals and winning six trophies.