Why Chelsea sensation Cole Palmer will 'need a police escort' if he ever visits St Kitts and Nevis as father Jermaine opens up on ex-Man City man's Sunday League upbringing

Palmer's familial ties to St. Kitts and Nevis serve as a significant influence on his identity, evident in his choice to adorn his football boots with the flag of the Caribbean island alongside the England flag. His grandfather, Sterry Cole, made the journey to England in 1960, following in the footsteps of his parents, Jermaine & Marie, who arrived as part of the Windrush generation. This connection to his Caribbean heritage adds depth to Palmer's journey, resonating with fans both in England and the island nation.

Jermaine revealed that Palmer's sensational form on the pitch has soared his popularity in St. Kitts and Nevis. In an interview with The Telegraph, he said: "I went over for the first time in January and it was great. Speaking to my dad’s cousins who are still over there they said the island is going crazy about Cole. So when he does go himself he’s probably going to need a police escort! They’re all Chelsea fans over there now!”

The roots of Palmer's passion for football trace back to his childhood, where his earliest memories are intertwined with the game. Recalling his formative years, he had earlier talked about spending weekends watching his father play for Blackboy FC, a Sunday League team in Manchester. And soon the young boy would follow in his father's footsteps and step onto the Firbank Park pitch, Blackboy’s home ground.

“I don’t know about it from a football education side of things, it was just instilling a love for the game in him,” said Jermaine who was a constant support in his blooming days.

However, things went a bit out of line on one occasion when Marie hopped in to watch the youngster play at Blackboy.

“You’d have all the subs who were 15 to 18 trying to get into the team," his father said. "Cole was a cheeky little kid, knew them all so he’d be winding them up playing football on the sides. His mum came to watch him one day and one of the lads said: ‘F--- off Coley you little so and so’ and his mum is there going, ‘Why are you bringing him here!? What’s going on when I’m not here!?’ Cole loved it. He loved the camaraderie, the banter, everything about it.”

Despite Chelsea's challenging season, Palmer's dazzling performances have captivated fans and provided moments of joy amidst the team's struggles. With 20 Premier League goals to his name, Palmer stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of Erling Haaland at the top of the scoring charts. His nine assists further highlight his versatility and contribution to the team's success. He would be looking to add to his ever-increasing tally of goal contributions when Chelsea take on his former employers, Manchester City, in a crucial FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.