'Very clever' Chelsea star Cole Palmer 'pretends to be stupid' in front of the media, claims Micah Richards

Palmer often cuts a relaxed and straightforward character during interviews and other media commitments, while plenty of his comments in post-match meetings with reporters have gone viral on social media. However, Richards has claimed he isn't buying the act, with Gary Lineker agreeing with the former Manchester City defender.

The pundits were speaking about Palmer's interaction with incoming Chelsea arrival Estevao after the Blues beat Palmeiras in the Club World Cup quarter-finals. The England international later admitted the Brazilian probably "didn't understand a single word I said" given the natural language barrier.

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Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards said: "Very clever. He knows what he is doing. He is very witty. He's like [Jack] Grealish. They pretend they are stupid but they are really not. They know exactly what they are doing. Cole Palmer is exactly the same."

Having helped Chelsea win the Conference League, Palmer has the chance to lead his side to more silverware after reaching the Club World Cup final. That game is due to take place on Sunday, with the Blues facing either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain.