'My life has changed massively' - Cole Palmer opens up on struggles with new-found fame after meteoric rise at Chelsea as he reveals the thing he misses most

From an under-the-radar arrival in September 2022 to becoming one of the Premier League's most talked-about players, Palmer's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. His first full campaign in the Premier League with Chelsea will undoubtedly be etched in the club's history. He scored an astounding 22 goals, assisted 11 times, and earned several individual accolades. His impressive performances also extended to the international stage, where he starred for England at the European Championship, where he became only the second player to score in the tournament's final for the Three Lions.

This season, Palmer has continued to dazzle, delivering remarkable performances in the Premier League. Most recently, his brace in Chelsea's thrilling comeback win against Tottenham showcased his ability to rise in high-pressure moments. This led manager Enzo Maresca to label him as "not normal" while former Liverpool star and renowned pundit Jamie Carragher took the admiration further, claiming that Palmer has already done more than Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola.

Despite his success, Palmer admits to missing aspects of his past life. The attention that now surrounds him has made even ordinary activities, such as shopping or relaxing in public, challenging.

"My life has changed massively," Palmer revealed in an interview with Chelsea's official media.

"I can’t really go to certain places when I just want to chill. Like when you just go to the shop around the corner, you’ll think someone’s watching you. Being able to play five-a-side is the thing I miss most, though, just being able to go and play five-a-side with your mates."

Palmer's calm demeanour and composure on the pitch have earned him the nickname "Cold Palmer" among his Chelsea teammates. His trademark shivering goal celebration has become iconic and is often emulated by children on the streets of London. Reflecting on this influence, Palmer expressed his joy and said: "It is a good feeling when I see it, especially when I see random kids in random places doing it after scoring in grassroots football or something like that. That’s nice – and it does feel like that was me not too long ago!"

As Palmer gears up for Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League clash against Brentford, fans eagerly await more magic from their rising star. With his stellar form and ever-growing confidence, it will not be surprising if he bags a couple more against the Bees to inspire his side to another three points.