Cole Palmer has explained why he felt the need to leave Manchester City in the summer transfer window.
Manchester-born Palmer first played for City at under-eight level and made it all the way up to Pep Guardiola’s first team.
After a difficult season of injury last term, the 21-year-old looked destined to finally break into the side consistently this year.
Palmer scored in the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup finals and appeared to be an ideal replacement for the departed Riyad Mahrez.
However, he still wasn’t getting minutes in the Premier League and when Chelsea came calling at the end of the transfer window he opted to go.
Palmer has been a revelation at Stamford Bridge, with his 12 goals and nine assists a rare bright spark in Mauricio Pochettino’s beleaguered side.
Cole Palmer explains why he left Manchester City
Speaking to the Daily Mirror ahead of returning to the Etihad on Saturday, Palmer said: “I came to Chelsea to get minutes and play week in and week out because obviously at City that wasn’t happening.
“I came here to get an opportunity and thanks to the club that’s happening now.
“I just need to keep going and go up some more levels.”
Cole Palmer returns to the Etihad Stadium
Saturday’s match between City and Chelsea will mark Palmer’s first return to the Etihad Stadium since his departure.
The £42.5m man played a big part when the sides last met as he scored a last-gasp penalty to earn his side a thrilling 4-4 draw.
Palmer has gone from strength-to-strength since then and is making a late case for himself to be in the England squad for Euro 2024.
Though Chelsea as a team have continued to struggle, with Palmer they will always pose a threat and City must be wary of it at the weekend.
