Cole Palmer explains savage shrug celebration against Man City as Chelsea star makes surprise 'disrespectful' claim

Chelsea youngster Cole Palmer has revealed what prompted him to perform his savage shrug celebration against Manchester City.

WHAT HAPPENED?
The Chelsea star revealed how he came up with the shrug celebration after scoring the last-gasp equaliser against Manchester City last weekend. The 21-year-old further suggested that he did not really think about his former club - where he spent a total of 15 years while making his way through the youth ranks - after netting the all-important goal.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE
It was Palmer's fourth top-flight goal for the Blues since joining them on the transfer deadline day, and incidentally, all of those have been from penalties.
Right after the City clash, the striker got his maiden senior national team call-up as Gareth Southgate included him in the Three Lions squad for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifying game.
WHAT DID COLE PALMER SAY?
Speaking to reporters, the Chelsea forward said: "I spent 15 years at the club. I can’t really go and celebrate how I would usually celebrate if I have scored a 95th minute equaliser because it would have been disrespectful. So I just decided to do a shrug. I don’t know why."
He added: "When I saw the ref give it I thought: 'It’s my time'. I spoke to Raz [Raheem Sterling] and he said: ‘What’s happening?’ and I was like: 'I wanna take it'. He was like 'Fine' and when I put the ball down I just picked a spot and tried to put it there. I felt I was waiting for a while to take it. So I did think about my old club and stuff but after that not really. It was a crazy game. I did feel a bit nervous before and it felt a bit weird to see everyone from my own club. I had been there for 15 years. But when the game started it felt normal and it was a good game."

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WHAT NEXT?
The youngster could make his international debut on Friday when Southgate's men take on Malta. Palmer will also hope to feature in England's final Euro 2024 qualifying outing against North Macedonia on November 20.

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