Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer scored a hat-trick in the Blues' 3-1 win at Wolves and responded to recent speculation surrounding his future in a blunt manner
Cole Palmer celebrates scoring his team's first goal from the penalty spot during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux.
Cole Palmer celebrated his first Chelsea goal of the afternoon differently to normal. (Image: Darren Walsh, Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
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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, but has admitted that he's noticed the talk.
The England international bagged all of Chelsea's goals in the 3-1 triumph at Molineux. His opening two strikes came from the penalty spot, as the Blues maintained their impressive run under Liam Rosenior.
After converting his first spot-kick, Palmer opted against his trademark 'cold' celebration and instead sprinted towards the travelling supporters with his hands covering his ears, before blowing a kiss to the travelling Chelsea faithful.
The gesture follows claims that he was experiencing homesickness and was prepared to return to Manchester with boyhood outfit Manchester United. However, Palmer now seems to have dispelled those rumours.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day following the victory, he explained: "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."
The midfielder also heaped praise on new boss 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 campaign has been plagued by fitness issues, with him sidelined for 21 matches across all competitions this term. He has, though, appeared in the previous four fixtures in all competitions, getting the nod in the last two Premier League outings.
He offered a revealing acknowledgement regarding his condition. "I don't think [I'm 100% fit] just yet," he said.
"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.
Cole Palmer celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux.
Cole Palmer scored a first-half hat-trick for Chelsea against Wolves (Image: Ben Roberts Photo, Getty Images)
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"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."
In conversation with Chelsea's official site, Palmer continued: "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."
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