Chelsea star Cole Palmer has opened up about his admiration for Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, revealing how he used to replicate Rooney’s iconic goals while growing up.
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Raised as a devoted United fan, Palmer looked up to Rooney’s prolific scoring and aimed to emulate his style.
“If he scored a goal on the weekend, I’d go out and see if I could do it,” Palmer told The Telegraph, recalling his youth in Wythenshawe’s Hollyhedge Park, where he’d practice his skills inspired by the Red Devils’ great.
Since his transfer from Manchester City to Chelsea, Palmer’s rise has been remarkable. Initially a promising but lesser-seen player, the 22-year-old has transformed into a top-tier Premier League talent, netting 25 goals in his debut season with Chelsea and already adding seven more this year.
Although he doesn’t play as an out-and-out striker, Palmer’s goal-scoring instincts are unmistakable, fueled by his formative years watching Rooney.
Adjusting to his new life in west London, Palmer admits he still has a soft spot for Manchester. “Manchester’s better,” he shared, but added that he appreciates the calm surroundings of Surrey, which come with fewer distractions.
His success has brought unexpected surprises, such as a message from former England captain David Beckham following one of his impressive performances, which left him starstruck.