Cole Palmer revealed his passion for training is too much to the point that Enzo Maresca has to stop him.
The 22-year-old has been nothing short of sensational for Chelsea following his £40million move from Manchester City in 2023. In just over a year at Stamford Bridge, he's scored 32 goals in 59 games to date and has blossomed into one of Maresca's undisputed starters in the Premier League.
He will look to continue his fine form this weekend when the Blues host Aston Villa on Sunday (1:30pm). While his teammates will be in Europa Conference League action at Heidenheim on Thursday, Palmer will be rested ahead of the weekend.
Speaking to Chelsea icon Gianfranco Zola at Cobham for the Premier League's official YouTube channel, Palmer spoke about his footballing career. Being the 'smallest' when he started playing football made him focus more on developing his skills.
"I think it was important because it was just fun," he said. "My friends were there, my dad was there and we just tried different skills and different things and I was just enjoying it because I was always the smallest, playing with the older ones, it made you realise you had to work more on your skills.
"I think now I’ve caught up to everyone in height and stuff, I find it easier. I was smaller so I would just get pushed off the ball or the ball taken off me or kicked so I would have to think more."
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His drive and determination from a young age has had a great impact on his career as he continues to be part of Chelsea's rise under Maresca. So much so that it's difficult to get him off the training pitch after sessions.
Asked whether he stays behind after every session, Palmer said: "Yeah, if [Enzo] Maresca lets me! It’s too much sometimes. [I would stay all day] if I could."
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Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's second goal from the penalty spot with team mate Jadon Sancho during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Stamford Bridge on September 28, 2024
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