Since Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer and Manchester City parted ways in the summer of 2023, it seems like both parties have thrived by heading in different direction.
Jamie Carragher named Palmer as the Premier League’s best player since his move to Stamford Bridge.
As for Manchester City, their decision to let one of the best young players in world football did not affect them — winning their fourth league title in a row last season.
Cole Palmer was named in 25th place in the official Ballon d’Or rankings as well, signifying how instrumental he was for both Chelsea and England during the 2023/2024 campaign.
Ally McCoist lauded Palmer for leaving Manchester City amongst many others — a decision that has undeniably worked out in his favour by becoming globally recognised as one of the standout players in Europe.
Jamie Carragher claimed Pep Guardiola’s mistake was to let a gem of a talent like the Englishman leave the club as well.
Michael Brown revealed Palmer was “frustrated” at Manchester City after the initial plan was to send him out on loan during the previous season.
Cole Palmer discloses his brief Man City farewell message after Chelsea transfer
Despite making the difficult decision of leaving his boyhood club, the 22-year-old’s move to Chelsea has been nothing short of a fairytale.
After the Blues finished sixth despite the Wythenshawe-born technician’s brilliance in his debut season, Enzo Maresca has managed to lead them to third place this campaign — just four points behind City.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  LiverpoolLiverpool | 11 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 21 | 6 | 15 | 28 |
| 2 |  Man CityManchester City | 11 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 22 | 13 | 9 | 23 |
| 3 |  ChelseaChelsea | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 21 | 13 | 8 | 19 |
| 4 |  ArsenalArsenal | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 18 | 12 | 6 | 19 |
| 5 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 19 |
| 6 |  BrightonBrighton | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 19 | 15 | 4 | 19 |
In an interview with British GQ, Palmer has now revealed the brief parting message he sent to Manchester City’s group chat after his much-discussed transfer to Chelsea was finalised.
The versatile goalscorer said: “I remember training on a Wednesday at City in the afternoon, and the news was ‘they’re trying to agree a fee.’
“Every time the ball went out, I’d ask the kit man or the doctor if they’ve agreed the fee yet.”
However, the deal dragged on, which did not give him a chance to visit many of his colleagues at Manchester City to properly bid farewell to them.
“So I didn’t really get a chance to see many people and say I’m going. I just had to get my stuff.”
“I messaged the group chat, said, ‘Thanks and everything. I’m gone.’ That was it.”
In November last year, Pep Guardiola claimed Palmer insisted on leaving Manchester City despite being assured that Riyad Mahrez’s move to Al-Ahli meant he would get more minutes as a right-winger.
Guardiola praised Palmer’s “immense quality” in February as well and emphasised that City had “no doubts” about how cracking a prospect he was.
Rodri predicted Palmer to become a “top player” in the next few years in the aftermath of England”s 2-1 loss to Spain in the European Championship final as well.
‘Sad’ John Stones’ message to Palmer after he left Man City
John Stones revealed Palmer’s exit disappointed him as he was a massive admirer of his fearless talent and he informed him of his feelings after his former City teammate decided to depart the club.
“I was a huge fan of Cole [Palmer] as soon as he came into our first-team setup, what he brought to the game, how he played as if he was in the park.”
I was sad to see him leave, [I] made him aware of that but what he’s gone on and done is a credit to him, how he’s conducted himself how he’s stepped up in big moments is honestly credit to Cole and what he’s doing.”
Palmer certainly had his fair share of admirers at Manchester City.
Palmer revealed Pep Guardiola’s influence on his career is to such an extent that the legendary manager taught him “everything” such as which foot to use when trying to control and pass the ball.
The treble-winner must be grateful for all the lessons he learns in a City shirt and he still seems to share a strong bond with his ex-teammates.
