Cole Palmer reveals message he sent to Manchester City group chat after sealing move to Chelsea
Chelsea superstar Cole Palmer has revealed the message he sent to his Manchester City teammates after securing a switch to Stamford Bridge. The England international has been in scintillating form for the Blues following his reported £42.5 million move in the summer of 2023.
Palmer came through the youth ranks of Manchester City but never quite got regular opportunities to showcase his talent at the Etihad. He was a pretty much a fringe player under Pep Guardiola prior to his move to Chelsea.
The 22-year-old has now opened up about what he said to his Manchester City teammates when he was about to leave for Stamford Bridge. He just shared a five-word message in group chat as he did not even have the time to bid a proper goodbye.
The red-hot attacking midfielder has also opened up on his feelings about leaving his boyhood club. Speaking in an interview with GQ, he said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News:
“I remember training on a Wednesday at City in the afternoon, and the news was, ‘They’re trying to agree a fee’. Every time the ball went out I’d ask the kitman or the doctor if they’ve agreed the fee yet. So I didn’t really get a chance to see many people and say, 'I’m going.' I just had to get my stuff.”
Palmer added:
“I messaged the group chat, said, ‘Thanks and everything. I’m gone’. That was it. I wasn’t even gonna go [to] Chelsea. I got persuaded [by his manager]. I just knew I wasn’t going to play as much as I wanted to."
The England international concluded:
“Even when I was going to England [camps] with younger age groups, you had players there who were playing in the league every week. And you’re looking around thinking, I can play in the league. When you’re not playing, it’s annoying.”
Palmer only made 41 senior appearances for Manchester City over the years out of which 28 were from the bench. He scored just six goals and provided two assists for the Cityzens while winning four trophies.
The Englishman has been one of the most productive players in the Premier League since his move to Chelsea. In 58 appearances for the Blues, he has contributed with 32 goals and 20 assists.
Chelsea to battle Real Madrid and Manchester City for Serie A midfielder: Reports
Chelsea are reportedly set to join the race for Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci, who has also been the subject of interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City. The 23-year-old has been excellent for Torino this season despite his team's inconsistent run of results.
As reported by Caught Offside, Enzo Maresca has set his sights on his compatriot Ricci as he looks to bolster his midfield ranks. However, they face strong competition from the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Inter Milan.
Ricci is a defensive midfielder by trade but can also play as a number eight and boats immense work rate. The Blues reported see Ricci as a solid replacement for Enzo Fernandez who has gone out of favor under Maresca.