Cole Palmer makes telling comment over Chelsea transfer as England star left surprised

Cole Palmer has admitted he didn't foresee the success that he has enjoyed at Chelsea after his "difficult decision" to leave Manchester City. Palmer distinguished himself as one of last season's key Premier League players and his impressive 22 goal tally earned him a well-deserved spot in England's provisional Euros squad.

It comes after Palmer's bold move just last summer when he left Man City to sign with Chelsea for £42.5million, a move he opted for to secure more frequent appearances on the pitch.

Having been a part of City since featuring at Under-8 level, where under Pep Guardiola's tutelage they claimed the Treble, the burgeoning England frontman was resolute in his aspiration to further his career. Speaking about his ambition, Chelsea's rising star told the Mirror: "I wanted to play football and show everyone what I could do. I felt I was ready. But I didn't think it would go this well!

He added: "It's my first season and I thought I'd go there, hopefully play - but it's gone much better than I could have imagined. I definitely feel I was justified. I came to play football. I made a difficult decision to leave Man City and go to Chelsea but thankfully it's paying off and hopefully it will continue to do so."

Last summer, Palmer won the European Under-21 Championship with England, and his performances for Chelsea have earned him a spot in the seior set-up. And the forward is firm in his opinion that England can triumph at the Euros this summer.

"There's a lot of talent in the squad, everyone can see that," Palmer expressed. "I'm thrilled I can go there to represent England, we've got amazing players. Hopefully the team can gel together and try to win a tournament. The fans are amazing and I just want to do everyone proud.

"I knew a few of the seniors from City and Chelsea and it was good to be there but it was very different to the under 21s. I've only been twice so I'm not used to it but hopefully getting picked will help me get used to it. It's different because it's more intense, there's pros who have been involved for many years. It's great."

Palmer, who is supporting Cif Re-Kicks initiative, grew up idolising Wayne Rooney as a lifelong Manchester United supporter. He is fervent about promoting opportunities for children at grassroots level, having grown up playing with his friends, honing his natural skills and tricks which have moulded him into the player he is today.

This has also made him a favourite among young supporters who adore his goal celebration. He has evolved into a composed finisher and celebrates by rubbing his arms which have earned him the 'Cold Palmer' nickname.

Palmer celebrated 22 goals in his breakout season in the Premier League, and 25 in all competitions. His celebration was largely inspired by his calm finish at Luton where he deftly controlled the ball before slotting it in under pressure.

But his favourite goal of the season came in the dramatic late victory against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, where he netted the latest winner in Premier League history at 111 minutes, Palmer shared: "I like the United one probably just for pure emotion. The Everton one at home, the one at Old Trafford. I've had a few that I like."

"All my comments on instagram were always saying cold, Cold Palmer and stuff like this so I did that celebration against Luton and it just stuck from there. I've got all the little kids coming up to me doing it. It makes me laugh to see the kids do it, they really enjoy it and so it's a fun thing to do."

Palmer now aims to return something back to those aspiring young talents. The Chelsea forward is supports Cif's Re-Kicks campaign, to provide kit and equipment to give youngsters every chance of breaking through. The 22-year-old said: "Kids growing up to give something back to the community is a nice feeling and kids deserves an equal chance. When I was growing up, I wanted new boots and with kids, that's good to give them that opportunity.

"Growing up I saw how the cost to play football was a big problem for families and in some cases, not a reality. That's why the Cif Re-Kicks initiative is so important to me. I'm partnering with Cif to help keep young people involved in the sport and hope to inspire them to keep chasing their dreams on and off the pitch."

"Cif is bringing together football clubs, their charity arms and non-profit organisations such as the St Matthews Project to identify those who need the boots most."

Cif is on a mission to reboot the beautiful game of football for thousands of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds - working with professional clubs and non-profit organisations across the UK to inspire on-pitch confidence through the restoration of used football boots. Teaming up with England and Chelsea footballer Cole Palmer, Cif aims to provide ‘free kicks’ to budding young players, helping them to feel pitch-ready.