Chelsea star Cole Palmer scored a hat-trick against Wolves and has spoken about transfer speculation linking him with Manchester United.
Manchester United-linked Chelsea star Cole Palmer has dismissed speculation linking him with a departure from the club, after the Blues’ talisman netted a first-half hat-trick against Wolves.
The England international bagged all of Chelsea’s goals in the 3-1 victory at Molineux. His opening two strikes came from the penalty spot, as the Blues maintained their impressive form under Liam Rosenior.
After converting his first spot-kick, Palmer abandoned his trademark ‘cold’ celebration and instead charged towards the away end with his hands covering his ears, before blowing a kiss to the Chelsea supporters.
The gesture follows claims that he was experiencing homesickness and was prepared to return to Manchester with boyhood club Manchester United.
However, Palmer now seems to have dismissed those rumours. Speaking to BBC Match of the Day following the victory, he said:
“Everyone loves to chat rubbish, don’t they? I don’t pay too much attention to it,” Palmer said, when asked about his celebration. “You see things. But I feel like I’ve come from a strong place anyway so I don’t pay attention to it.”
The midfielder also heaped praise on new manager Rosenior. “Life under Liam is amazing, he gives us all confidence,” he said.
“Lets us be ourselves, play free. I’m sure when I’m back proper fit you’ll see the best of me. Him and all the staff give us all confidence on the training pitch, with his strategies, the way we play… I really like it.”
Palmer’s season has been marred by injury, with England star sitting out 21 matches in all competitions this campaign. However, he has played in the last four games across all competitions, starting the most recent two Premier League fixtures.
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He made a significant revelation about his fitness. “I don’t think [I’m 100% fit] just yet,” he admitted.
“Obviously people don’t know what goes on behind the scenes but being injured the whole season is not ideal and when I’m not able to perform as I want to because I’ve been injured, and still dealing with the injury, but hopefully I can get over the injury soon by managing it. I know what level I can provide when I feel 100% fit.
“Not being 100% fit isn’t ideal, I still feel like I can help the team but when I’m back to full fitness I feel like I can go to another level.”
Speaking to the Chelsea website, Palmer added: “I’ve never been injured before in my career. This is something new to me, and I’m still finding out how to deal with it.
“It has been frustrating, I don’t feel like I’ve played a game this season fully fit. I’ve been going into games thinking, ‘Can I do certain things? Can I not?’ Overthinking it.
“The staff have been really good. I’ve been working closely with the physios on a day-to-day basis. They have all helped, and I’ll get through it.
“I’m not here to make excuses, and ”ll get over the injuries. I know what I can do when I’m fit, and hopefully I can get back to that soon. For now, I just manage it and get there.”