Chelsea star Cole Palmer has admitted he didn't want to leave Manchester City before his move to Stamford Bridge.
Palmer has undeniably been Chelsea's best signing under the Todd Boehly-led ownership.
The England international was signed by the Blues from City in September 2023 in a deal worth €47 million (R938 million).
Since then, the 22-year-old has registered a productive 39 goals and 21 assists in 77 matches for the club to date, in addition to breaking a number of Chelsea's scoring records, as per Transfermarkt.
It's no secret that Palmer struggled to break into the City team under Pep Guardiola, which eventually led to him forcing through a move away from the Etihad due to a lack of game time.
Now, the reigning 2024 England Men's Footballer of the Year has admitted that he actually did not want to part ways with City in the first place, but he could no longer accept his fringe role under Guardiola.
"I was so adamant for ages that I wasn't going," said Palmer, according to the Daily Mail.
"I've never moved out of Manchester. I really didn't want to go. (But) you get a bit disheartened at City, why am I not getting a chance to play? You just know when you're ready to play.
"I'm thankful. I have no idea what I'd do if I wasn't a footballer. Actually zero idea. Growing up around Wythenshawe, everyone does footy or drugs.
"There are two paths. I just love football so much. You don't get there with no graft, do you?
Gear up for this weekend's London derby! Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in a crucial Premier League encounter. Can the Gunners keep their title hopes alive?
