•Cole Palmer
Chelsea star Cole Palmer says he is eager to reunite with close friend Morgan Rogers at Stamford Bridge after the England international completed his move from Aston Villa, revealing he “can’t wait” to share the pitch with his former Manchester City academy teammate.
Speaking during Chelsea’s pre-season tour in Australia, Palmer told the club’s official website that he played a role in convincing Rogers to join the Blues and believes the pair can rediscover the chemistry they built together in Manchester City’s academy and England’s youth teams.
“Everyone knows how good he is, and obviously he’s one of my best friends, so I’m very happy about him coming here,” Palmer said.
“We always speak and when I heard Chelsea were trying to sign him, I was texting him even more persuading him to come. He was probably sick of me by that point! I’m glad he’s here now and I’m looking forward to sharing the pitch with him.”
Palmer revealed Rogers informed him about the move before it was officially announced, although both players agreed to keep the transfer a secret.
“He told me straightaway that he was coming, but we kept it to ourselves. It was a difficult secret to keep before it was announced!” he added.
The 24-year-old also backed the new partnership to flourish under manager Xabi Alonso, highlighting how their contrasting styles could benefit Chelsea.
“I think we’re different players who can both offer a lot to the team. He’s more physical than me, on and off the ball, and he likes to drive forward more, whereas I think I like to play more passes.
“I think we can play well together, and we obviously did that when we were young anyway.”
Palmer also joked about Rogers copying his trademark “ice cold” celebration after the winger claimed he had used the gesture before his Chelsea teammate.
“I’ve trademarked it so if he tries to do anything, he’ll have bailiffs at his door,” Palmer laughed before adding, “No, we’ll do it together.”
Palmer also spoke positively about life under new head coach Xabi Alonso, revealing the Spaniard had reached out to him after he missed England’s World Cup squad and has already outlined how he wants to use him this season.
“I spoke to Xabi before he arrived. He messaged me when I didn’t make the World Cup squad. It was nice to hear from him,” Palmer said.
“Working under him so far has been really good. Him and his staff have been great, and we’re looking forward to working with him. He says he sees me as a No. 10, playing in the pockets.”
Palmer added that he feels refreshed after enjoying his longest off-season in years and is optimistic about Chelsea’s prospects ahead of the new campaign.
“I feel good now. I’ve had seven weeks to get myself ready for the season and I’m good to go. I’m looking forward to the season. I had around seven weeks off and I’ve never really had that before. I feel refreshed for the season ahead.”
Chelsea continues their pre-season preparations against Tottenham Hotspur in Sydney today before facing Juventus in Hong Kong.
