“For two seasons he wanted to leave”: Pep Guardiola comments on Cole Palmer’s departure to Chelsea

Cole Palmer has emerged as one of the most prolific attackers in the Premier League this season. He is now a joint-top scorer alongside Erling Haaland after scoring 20 goals in the league so far. Palmer’s impressive run with Chelsea has sparked questions about why Manchester City did not persuade the player to stay.

City manager Pep Guardiola explained the situation, revealing the reason why the club decided to let Palmer go last September. The Manchester-born player moved to London to play for Chelsea with a €47.00 price tag.

Pep Guardiola comments on Cole Palmer’s move to Chelsea

Guardiola said that it was not up to him to hold the player back, nor his decision to let the transfer be completed. “He was asking for two seasons to leave and I said stay,’ Guardiola said via DailyMail. “He said he wanted to leave. What could we do? I said stay because Riyad [Mahrez] is gone but for two seasons he wanted to leave.”

Palmer’s exceptional display put him into contention for the PFA Player of the Year award alongside his former teammate Phil Foden. Guardiola mentioned that such things would have not happened if Palmer stayed with The Citizens, adding that he is happy to see his improvement.

“Playing that level is exceptional,” the former Bayern Munich manager added. “He’s an exceptional player. I didn’t give the minutes that maybe he deserved and now he has at Chelsea. I understand completely.

“‘He’s a shy guy with a lot of potential. It is what it is. He’s playing fantastic so what can I say, the decision has been made for many reasons.”

What Palmer has shown this season is an exception to Chelsea’s poor season. The Blues’ only trophy hope this season is in the FA Cup where they will play Manchester City this weekend.

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