Cole Palmer, the promising 23-year-old talent, has disclosed that the legendary Lionel Messi serves as one of his primary inspirations, following his recent acquisition of the prestigious No. 10 jersey ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. This pivotal moment marks Palmer’s transition from wearing the No. 20 shirt during his first two seasons at Chelsea to embracing the iconic number for the upcoming competitions. He made his debut with the new number during Chelsea’s 2-0 triumph over Los Angeles FC earlier this week.
When posed with the question about players he idolizes who have donned the No. 10 shirt, Palmer candidly named Messi as the standout figure, alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney and other notable stars who have left their mark in football history. Expressing his deep-rooted connection to the number, Palmer noted, “It’s just an iconic number. I wore No. 10 all my life growing up, and I just like the number.” This appreciation not only reflects his passion for the game but also hints at the considerable weight of history that accompanies such a celebrated shirt.
The legacy of the No. 10 jersey at Chelsea is storied, with several club legends having worn it, including the dazzling Eden Hazard, who remains a key figure in the hearts of Chelsea supporters. Interestingly, Palmer shared a past interaction with Hazard, revealing that he had reached out to him during his time as a Manchester City academy player back in 2015. However, when inquiring if he received a response, Palmer responded lightheartedly, “Nah,” although he mentioned having encountered Hazard multiple times at the training ground, where the Belgian footballer requested one of Palmer’s shirts for his sons.
Prior to Palmer taking the No. 10 shirt, Mykhailo Mudryk had held the number, yet his circumstance took a dramatic turn after being provisionally suspended due to a positive test for the performance-enhancing substance meldonium. The 24-year-old players now faces serious ramifications and has been charged with a violation of the Football Association’s anti-doping regulations, which could result in a prohibitive four-year ban. Turning his attention to Mudryk, Palmer said, “I have not spoken to Misha yet, but I will when the time is right. It is not really my place to get involved with him at the minute. I will speak to him.”
Palmer’s elevation to the No. 10 shirt symbolizes not just a number change but also signifies a remarkable journey over the past two seasons, during which he has emerged as a linchpin for Chelsea. Since his transfer from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, the England international has notched up an impressive 57 goal involvements in the Premier League. A shining example of his prowess was displayed during the UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis, where he orchestrated two remarkable assists, turning the tide of the match in Chelsea’s favor.
While Palmer’s performances have catapulted him into the spotlight, he maintains a level of humility, asserting that he is still “just a normal kid.” He expressed his thoughts on the fame that accompanies success, stating, “At the start, it was a bit wow, but now I get used to it.” He believes in keeping things in perspective, emphasizing that at the end of the day, football is “just a game” and not a matter of life and death. Embracing a balanced lifestyle, he continues to indulge in ordinary activities, such as playing five-a-side football, enjoying video games, and spending time on local Astro turf pitches.
Reflecting on the rapid ascent of his career, Palmer admitted that while the pace of his growing fame might be quick, it is ultimately a rewarding experience. He remains focused on his performance and aspires to elevate his game even further, believing that consistency will lead to even greater achievements in the future. His journey, with the weight of the No. 10 shirt on his back and the eyes of footballing legends like Messi watching, holds both promise and expectation for the Chelsea star.
As he looks ahead, the landscape of football beckons, paving the way for Palmer to potentially solidify his position as one of the modern game’s luminaries.
