“Best in the world” – England star makes honest Manchester City exit admission

Cole Palmer has revealed how his time at Manchester City has positively impacted his debut campaign with Chelsea in west London.

The 21-year-old, who was selected by Gareth Southgate for the senior men’s England squad for upcoming friendlies against both Brazil and Belgium at Wembley Stadium, has enjoyed an impressive maiden season at Stamford Bridge.

Palmer quit Manchester City in September for a record-breaking £42.5 million fee, becoming the Sky Blues’ biggest sale from the City Football Academy, where the England international had spent over a decade.

The forward, who had been with Manchester City since 2009, made his first-team debut against Burnley in the Carabao Cup in 2020, as was also part of Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning squad last season.

Palmer also scored twice prior to swapping the Etihad Stadium for Stamford Bridge, scoring against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield and Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup.

The Englishman also netted against Manchester City in November, scoring a last-gasp penalty for Chelsea to draw 4-4 with the Cityzens in the Premier League.

Palmer has been in impressive form for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, registering 19 direct goal involvements in 24 Premier League appearances, and scoring in the Carabao Cup and Emirates FA Cup.

The 21-year-old is set to come up against his boyhood club again next month, when Manchester City face Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley Stadium.

Palmer recently revealed the impact of his time at the Etihad Stadium, telling the BBC: “What I learnt at City, I wouldn’t be able to learn anywhere else with the manager and the players that were there, one of the best in the world.

“Then I felt I was ready to play and I thought I might as well just go for it [joining Chelsea]. I just felt like I was ready to play football week in, week out.”

Palmer made 41 appearances over five seasons with Manchester City, scoring six goals and winning six trophies.