Chelsea and England forward Cole Palmer has reflected on the aspects of anonymity he misses most after rising to prominence as one of football’s most recognizable figures.
Palmer has been a standout performer in the Premier League for some time. Since joining Chelsea from Manchester City last summer in a £40 million deal, the 22-year-old has enjoyed a stellar debut season, scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists for the Blues.
Now a key player at Stamford Bridge, Palmer continues to impress, driving Enzo Maresca’s team toward a title challenge this season. His impact has drawn praise, with pundit Jamie Carragher commenting after Chelsea’s recent 4-3 victory over Tottenham, “If Palmer can lead Chelsea to the title, he could cement himself as one of the club’s greatest players.”
Despite his rapid rise, Palmer acknowledges the challenges of fame. In a candid interview with Chelsea’s official website, he shared how his life has transformed since becoming a household name.
“My life has changed massively,” Palmer admitted. “I can’t really go to certain places just to relax. Even popping to the shop around the corner feels like someone’s watching you.”
He revealed that what he misses most is the freedom to play football casually. “Being able to play five-a-side with my mates is the thing I miss the most,” he said.
Palmer’s calm demeanor on the pitch has earned him the nickname ‘Cold Palmer,’ and his unflappable nature has been evident, particularly in high-pressure moments. Notably, he has converted 12 consecutive penalties for Chelsea – a Premier League record.
However, Palmer admits he’s not immune to pressure. “Of course, I feel nerves – I’m human,” he said with a smile. “I might feel it a bit before a game, but once it starts, it all goes away. It’s like anything; you might feel nervous at first, but once you’re doing it, you realize it’s not that bad.”
While Palmer’s career continues to soar, it’s clear that even with his success, he holds a special fondness for the simpler moments of his pre-fame life.
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