Chelsea superstar Cole Palmer names Manchester United legend as his childhood hero
Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer has named Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney as his idol from childhood. Rooney, now the head coach of Plymouth Argyle, is the Red Devils' all-time top scorer with 253 goals.
Meanwhile, Palmer, 23, has had a good start to his career at Stamford Bridge since arriving from Manchester City last summer. In 58 appearances across competitions, he has notched up 32 goals and 20 assists. That includes seven goals and five assists in 11 games in the Premier League, where the Blues are third in the standings.
Palmer grew up in Manchester but joined City as an eight-year-old despite being a United fan. He said about Rooney (via The Telegraph):
"If he'd scored a goal on the weekend, I would go out and see if I could do it."
The Euro 2024 winner started just twice in the Premier League as City won the continental treble in the 2022-23 season. About the change of scenery from Manchester to London, Palmer said:
"It was good to get out of the comfort zone. Manchester was same old, same old. So something fresh was needed, I think. Manchester's better. but I don't mind it. I do like it around here, because it's quiet, there are no distractions. Everyone you would go out with on a day-to-day basis is nowhere near you."
Palmer scored all four gaols in the Blues' 4-2 Premier League win in September but has netted just once in five league outings since then.
What's next for Chelsea and Manchester United?
Chelsea and Manchester United have had contrasting starts to the season. While the Blues are third in the Premier League - trailing leaders Liverpool (28) by nine points, United are 13th, four points behind Enzo Maresca's side.
The two sides are coming off different previous outings, though. While the Blues drew 1-1 at home to Arsenal just before the international break, United thumped Leicester City 3-0 at home.
The Premier League duo return to action in the league next weekend. While Maresca's Blues travel to Leicester City on November 23, while new United manager Ruben Amorim takes his side to newly promoted Ipswich Town the next day.
The two sides have European commitments in midweek next. The Blues travel to Heidenheim in the UEFA Europa Confernece League on November 28, while Manchester United host Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Europa League on the same day.