Cesc Fabgreas has just shared a very interesting story about Chelsea’s Cole Palmer from when he was still a Manchester City player.
There’s been so many outstanding stars represent the club throughout Chelsea’s history, including retired midfielder Cesc Fabregas himself. Now, there’s a new rising star creating his own legacy with the Blues.
Cole Palmer has been simply sensational since he left Man City in the summer of 2023 and moved to Stamford Bridge.
The left-footed attacker has 31 goals and 19 appearances in 53 appearances for the London club. It’s even more impressive that the English youngster has led by example in such an inconsistent side.
Palmer matched a Frank Lampard record at Chelsea by scoring fours goals in last weekend’s 4-2 Premier League win at home to Brighton. He and Lampard are now the only two Chelsea players to score four times in two separate league matches.
Cesc Fabregas spotted Cole Palmer magic
Speaking on the BBC Planet Premier League Podcast, Fabregas has told an incredible tale about when he watched Palmer warm up for Man City for their Champions League final against Inter Milan in June 2023.
Palmer played 25 games across all competitions during Man City’s remarkable treble-winning season in the 2022/23 campaign, but he was an unused substitute when Pep Guardiola’s side beat Inter 1-0 to secure the Champions League prize.
Despite not playing in the European final, Palmer left a big impression on Fabregas for the way he warmed up with Phil Foden.
Fabregas said: “Palmer, I remember him when I did the Champions League final two years ago; he was just doing keepy-uppies with [Phil] Foden because they were on the bench. They were warming up, and the way they were doing things, technically, I was like, Oh my god, I forgot this even exists. This type of player is so talented. They couldn’t let the ball go on the floor.”
Chelsea transfer was perfect
Palmer, who developed in Man City’s academy, played 41 first-team games for the English giants. However, the decision to leave the Etihad Stadium and join Chelsea in search of regular senior minutes has been a masterstroke.
It’s now looking like a howler from Man City to sell Palmer, especially for £40m (Sky Sports). We don’t know how long it would’ve took for the England international to break into the starting line-up in Manchester amid all the world-class competition, though.
From a Chelsea perspective, it’s such a blessing that Palmer did end up joining the club as he’s the best individual talent for the Blues since Eden Hazard.
The 22-year-old star now has the perfect home to start regularly and be the talisman, scoring and assisting goals for fun. Interestingly, his game may have gone up another level this season since the reunion with head coach Enzo Maresca as well.
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