Cole Palmer: Chelsea star explains why leaving Man City "felt weird"

Palmer completed a summer move away from Etihad despite being one of City’s most promising youngsters.

Cole Palmer has opened up on his first transfer away from Manchester City.

Palmer joined City’s academy when he was six years old. His impressive development convinced Pep Guardiola to hand him his senior debut in a match against Burnley in September 2020.

Palmer seemed to be on his way to become a starter in City’s crowded midfield. However, he preferred to continue his career at Chelsea, with the Blues signing him on a £42.5m deal in the summer transfer window.

“It was a huge decision. When I left the training ground on the Thursday I knew I was going to London the next day,” he told Daily Mail.

“It all just hit me, sat in the car and going to drive out. I was just thinking, ‘you’ve been here 15 years’.

“I don’t know any different. I’ve never been on loan. I’ve never moved out of Manchester. The only time I’ve ever been outside of Manchester is on holiday or away games. Going there does feel weird, but there is no time to waste. I’ve got to get to it.”

Palmer is yet to make his debut for Chelsea after completing a move in the final stages of the transfer window. Let’s see if Mauricio Pochettino will use the midfielder in his lineup against Bournemouth on Sunday.