Cole Palmer returned to form with his fourth career Premier League hat-trick in Chelsea's 3-1 win against Wolves. The England international then made an eye-opening comment after pulling out a different goal celebration.
The 23-year-old found the back of the net with two penalties and a left-footed effort in the first half, almost doubling his goal tally for the term. Palmer has now scored seven times in the English top-flight, after a difficult first half of the campaign.
Having struggled with various fitness issues, the England international hasn't been at his blistering best for quite some time, but showed what he's capable of with his impressive display at Molineux.
Cole Palmer Shuts Down 'Rubbish' Talk After Wolves vs Chelsea
Chelsea players
Speaking after the convincing win, Palmer addressed the 'rubbish' he feels has been talked about him over the course of the season. Reports emerged in January that the playmaker had grown 'unsettled' at Stamford Bridge, leading to speculation around a possible move to Manchester United.
A boyhood red growing up, it's unclear whether the former Manchester City ace was referring to the transfer links or the criticism he's received for his lack of consistency and injury problems this term. Palmer told BBC Sport:
"Everyone loves to chat rubbish, don't they?
"I don't pay too much attention to it. You see things. But I feel like I've come from a strong place anyway, so I don't pay attention to it."
He then went on to give his thoughts on the injury troubles he's faced since the summer. The Blues' star man said: "I don't think (I'm 100 per cent fit) just yet.
"Obviously, people don't know what goes on behind the scenes. But being injured the whole season is not ideal.
"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 per cent fit."
Bruno Fernandes Sends Palmer Message
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If the unthinkable did happen and Palmer made the move to Old Trafford, he would be fighting Bruno Fernandes to be the main creative hub. The number of chances the English and Portuguese stars would create for their teammates in red would be absurd.
cole palmer-1 Related
Cole Palmer Has Made Feelings Clear About Man Utd Amid Shock Transfer Links
The links to Old Trafford have emerged after reports claim Cole Palmer is 'unsettled' at Chelsea.
Even if Palmer was rubbishing any talk of leaving Chelsea with his pointed celebration and post-match comments, some United supporters will have been a little bit excited to see Fernandes leave a comment on the 23-year-old's Instagram post. He simply said: "What a player."
Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 07-02-26.