Cole Palmer: “Joining Chelsea was the best decision of my career.”
Image credit: ChelseaReport
Chelsea star Cole Palmer has revealed that he initially wanted to stay at Manchester City before making the move to Stamford Bridge in 2023.
Despite his success at Chelsea, Palmer admitted he was reluctant to leave his hometown club.
What Happened?
Palmer, a product of City’s youth academy, made over 40 senior appearances in four seasons but struggled for regular game time.
In search of more minutes, he made the switch to Chelsea, where he has since become one of the Premier League’s standout performers.
The Bigger Picture
Since his arrival at Chelsea, Palmer has flourished, scoring 39 goals and providing 21 assists across all competitions.
🗣️ Cole Palmer’s Dad, Jermaine:
— mcfc lads (@mcfc_lads) March 13, 2025
“He thought he’d be at City all his life. He didn’t really want to leave. He wanted to go on loan because he knew he wasn’t going to play much. But they refused him a loan. So he said he’d have to leave.”
[via @primevideosport] pic.twitter.com/dCt25TH2bL
However, the 22-year-old confessed that he never imagined leaving Manchester and was hesitant about the move.
What Palmer Said
“I was so adamant for ages that I wasn’t going. I’ve never moved out of Manchester,” Palmer shared in the Prime Video documentary England’s Lions: A New Generation.
“I really didn’t want to go, but you get a bit disheartened at City – why am I not getting a chance to play? You just know when you’re ready to play. I’m thankful.”
Palmer also reflected on his upbringing in Wythenshawe, where football was a lifeline.
“I have no idea what I’d do if I wasn’t a footballer. Actually zero idea. Growing up around Wythenshawe, everyone does footy or drugs. There are two paths. I just love football so much. You don’t get there with no graft, do you?”
What’s Next for Palmer?
Palmer’s immediate focus will be on Chelsea’s upcoming matches, though his involvement remains uncertain as he recovers from illness.
The Blues are currently playing against Copenhagen in the Conference League. Afterward, a crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday awaits them.