Cole Palmer says 'I knew I could reach this level, I just needed an opportunity' before facing Manchester City in FA Cup final with Chelsea

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Cole Palmer has enjoyed a very productive time at Chelsea since he made the switch from Manchester to London, and he has spoken with TNT Sports about having been given his chance to shine at Stamford Bridge.

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Palmer came up through Manchester City’s academy but saw his first-team opportunities at the club limited. In search of a bigger role, he left City to join Chelsea in a £40m deal in September 2023.

The move quickly paid off as Palmer flourished in his first season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 25 goals and providing 11 assists. He has gone on to establish himself as a key player for Chelsea and on the international stage.

Before facing his former club in Saturday's Emirates FA Cup final, live on TNT Sports and HBO Max, the England star sat down to answer questions from team-mates, family members and celebrities in an amusing and very heartwarming edition of Voice Notes (watch the video above).

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He also said, as part of his time with TNT Sports, that he never doubted himself: "I just needed an opportunity. I knew what I was capable of. When I was at City I was training with the best players in the world and I was still doing things that were good.

”I knew as soon as I came here that I would get the opportunity. I didn’t think it would go this well, but I knew I could reach this level.”

Palmer will be looking to help Chelsea avoid a fourth straight FA Cup final defeat at Wembley. The 24-year-old has an incredible record in finals, scoring five goals and providing three assists in six appearances.

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He scored in the Euro 2024 final for England and was named man of the match in last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final and UEFA Conference League final.

Asked if finals bring out the best in him, Palmer said: ”That’s what the stats say. To be fair, someone sent me something the other day of the finals I have played in and what’s happened. Hopefully on Saturday it can get better.”

Palmer played in two cup finals for Man City, scoring against Arsenal in the Community Shield and Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup in 2023.

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The match against Sevilla was Palmer’s final appearance for City before joining Chelsea.

Does he have any extra motivation playing against his former side?

”When I first left, yes because of how I left and stuff, but as I have got older and played them more and more times, it doesn’t really bother me.”

Palmer was born in Manchester and joined City’s academy when he was eight years old.

He says his City-supporting friends and family would be happy for him if he wins the FA Cup, even if it means Pep Guardiola’s side end up empty-handed.

”On the day they might be a bit angry, but when it’s all said and done and I go back home, I think they will be happy.”

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Stream the Emirates FA Cup final live on TNT Sports and HBO Max

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