Pep Guardiola Opens Up About Cole Palmer's Departure to Chelsea

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola revealed that Cole Palmer had expressed his desire to leave the club for two years before eventually joining Chelsea for £42.5m in September. Despite Guardiola attempts to persuade him to stay, Palmer insisted on departing. The 21 years old has since excelled at Chelsea scoring 20 Premier League goals and drawing level with City’s Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race.

Guardiola acknowledged that City couldn’t hold onto Palmer due to his persistent wish to leave. Palmer rapid rise at Chelsea has raised questions about Guardiola decision to let him go with the City boss admitting that Palmer perhaps didn’t get enough playing time at City. Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed gratitude to City for allowing Palmer to move and emphasized the need to manage his newfound fame carefully.

Pochettino stressed the importance of ensuring Palmer well-being amidst his rise to stardom.