Chelsea’s Cole Palmer on moving to London, struggling with washing machines and why he chose Chelsea over Man City
THE bright lights of London have left Mancunian native Cole Palmer dazed – not to mention his attempts at working a washing machine.
But the 21-year-old has lofty ambitions for himself as Chelsea’s latest English poster boy, and believes his last-gasp move from Manchester City has already been vindicated.
Palmer will lead the England U21s out as captain at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground tonight ahead of their Euros qualifier against Serbia.
It comes just three months after starring for Lee Carsley’s side in a dramatic U21 Euros final win over Spain out in Georgia, followed by a Deadline Day £42.5m departure from his beloved, boyhood City in search of regular first team football.
As a result, Carsley believes Palmer has developed a much more serious side on the pitch because he is now an “asset and commodity”.
But as he sits and chats in the bowels of England’s HQ at St George’s Park, it is clear that off the pitch, Palmer still has some more growing up to do.
Asked about joining Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues, Palmer explained: “I was in a hotel for a couple of weeks and then I moved and got my own place.
“It is new and difficult. I don’t know how do to do most things on my own so I’m learning.
“Cooking, finding my way around London and even using a washing machine. Mum was doing my washing at home.
“Dad came down the first couple of days to get stuff ready for the apartment but they’re still in Manchester. [Chelsea] have sorted me a cook.
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“London is different to Manchester, in terms of how big it is, and off the pitch doing stuff on my own, it’s difficult.”
That boyish uncertainty vanishes as he begins to speak of what he expects to accomplish at Chelsea, regardless of the outside misconceptions, lack of experience in the squad and a poor start to the Premier League campaign that sees them 11th with three wins from eight.
Poch has started Palmer in Chelsea’s last three games in all competitions and has been rewarded for his trust with two assists and a goal from his young star – the latter from the penalty spot against Burnley in the Prem.
Palmer said: “[Starting so well] has surprised me a bit but I know my own abilities. I knew if I hit the ground running I’d have a chance and make an impact. That’s why I went there.
“I always had that mindset at City but it’s a lot more difficult. I want to take penalties. I’ve got the confidence to, but City have Erling Haaland, many players.
“The opportunity that Chelsea offered me in terms of the project was good. There’s more responsibility but that’s why you play and get bought for big money.”
He added: “We want to win trophies. Most people are going to give you criticism no matter what you do any way, but don’t get me wrong, we do need to win more games.
“They just see the outside point of view, but everyone is so young to the project, we just need to get Chelsea back to where they were. We have to go out with no fear.”