Q&A with Chelsea star Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer became the first player in history to score four times in the first half of a Premier League game when he did so against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday. 

The feat was yet another impressive accolade to add to his ever growing list, and Palmer will have his eye on plenty more records.

We sat down with the Chelsea and England star to ask him some questions.

Q: What are your earliest memories of football? 

A: “Going with my dad to the local park which was about two minutes away from where I used to live in Manchester. Without my dad I don’t think I would be a professional footballer today.”

Q: As a Manchester lad, is it true you were a Manchester United fan? 

A: “When I was growing up I was a Manchester United fan.”

Palmer joined Chelsea from Manchester City last summer

Q: Your unique style is both exciting and original – do you think a lot before the ball comes to you? 

A: “I try to think a bit about what I will do, but mostly it’s just natural to me and I don’t think too much in advance. I just try to get the ball and make things happen.”

Q: Your penalty technique has paid off so far – what is the thinking behind it? 

A: “I honestly don’t even have one! I just put the ball down on the spot, step back and shoot! A couple of times I changed my mind as I ran up. I did miss one in the FA Youth Cup final with City against Liverpool. I was gutted because we should have won.”

Q: Where does the nickname ‘cold’ come from?

A: “I saw all the comments on my social media saying ‘cold, cold, cold’ so I thought I’d do it as a celebration.”

Palmer recorded a combined 40 goals and assists in his first season with Chelsea

Q: Have you enjoyed living in London since leaving City? 

A: “I’m getting used to it. It was a big change because I’d never played for another club or even been out on loan anywhere and also it was the first time I’d move away from my family in Manchester. I just thought ‘give it a go’.”

Q: It is true you got the idea for your celebration from former Man City academy teammate (now at Aston Villa) Morgan Rogers? 

A: “Yeah but he understands – it didn’t make sense for him to do it!”

Q: Your first season as a Chelsea player couldn’t have gone much better – did you surprise yourself? 

A: “Of course – I didn’t think things would happen this quickly – maybe eventually – but not this fast. This was my first season playing all the time, I’m still getting used to it.”