Cole Palmer: Chelsea Star Who Missed Sitter in Carabao Cup Insist He Never Wanted To Leave Man City

• Cole Palmer has opened up about his move to Chelsea
• The English forward insists he never wanted to leave Man City
• He has enjoyed considerable success since joining the Blues

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer has opened up about the behind-the-scenes details of his transfer to Stamford Bridge last summer.

His move from Manchester City to the west London club came as a surprise to Premier League enthusiasts, given his significant role in Manchester City's trophy-laden 2022–2023 campaign.

Joining Mauricio Pochettino's squad for £42.5m on the transfer deadline day, Palmer's transition has proven pivotal for both the player and Chelsea.

The 21-year-old has made a mark with 17 goal contributions (10 goals and seven assists) in 24 appearances across various competitions in his debut season with the Blues, as cited by Transfermarkt.

GOAL also reported that Palmer's impressive performances under Pochettino earned him a maiden national team call-up last November, as Gareth Southgate included him in the Three Lions' squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers.

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However, Palmer revealed that his intention was not to depart from the Premier League champions permanently. Instead, he aimed for a loan move to return stronger and break into Pep Guardiola's starting line-up.

"My thing was to never leave City," Cole Palmer told Sky Sports as quoted by Tribuna.

"That was not my intention. I wanted to go on loan for a year, come back and be ready for the first team.

"But they said I couldn't go on loan; you could either stay or get sold.

"So then, Chelsea rang me. I said I wanted to go to Chelsea and I'm really happy to be here. I'm very glad I made the decision to come here."

Palmer produces miss-of-the-season contender

Despite his notable successes at Stamford Bridge, 'Cold Palmer'—affectionately named by the club's fanbase—encountered a challenging moment during Chelsea's unexpected 1-0 loss to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semi-final.

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Amid his impressive form this season, Palmer experienced a lapse in his shooting accuracy at the Riverside, missing several opportunities, notably failing to convert from close range after goalkeeper Tom Glover spilt Enzo Fernandez's strike, sending his first-time volley over the bar.

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Palmer explains his 'cold' celebration

Sports Brief previously noted Palmer's peculiar celebration after scoring against Luton Town, where he cupped his mouth and rubbed himself as if cold.

Despite fans assuming it was a tribute to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, Palmer clarified it was inspired by his friend Morgan Rogers.

Rogers had utilized a similar celebration after scoring for Middlesbrough. Both Palmer and Rogers had progressed through the ranks at Manchester City but departed in pursuit of more significant playing opportunities.