Cole Palmer Receives Hero’s Welcome in St. Kitts After Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup Win
- Cole Palmer took his FIFA Club World Cup celebrations to St Kitts and Nevis, the birthplace of his grandfather, Sterry Palmer
- He received a colourful welcome from the country's deputy prime minister when he landed
- The England superstar is coming off a sensational performance in the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain
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Cole Palmer flew to the Caribbean island of St Kitts and Nevis, where he received a hero's welcome following his masterclass performance in the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday, which Chelsea won.
Source: Getty Images
Cole Palmer scored a brace in the FIFA Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain, a match they impressively won 3-0 against the favourites.
The Blues entered the final as underdogs but dismantled PSG with a flawless first-half performance. João Pedro, who had just signed for Chelsea, was also on the scoresheet.
How did Cole Palmer perform at Club World Cup?
Palmer entered the Club World Cup on the back of an underwhelming second season at Chelsea. In the second half of the season, goals and assists dried up.
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However, in the UEFA Conference League, he turned up with two assists in their 4-1 win over Real Betis.
In seven games at the Club World Cup, he scored three goals, including two in the final against PSG, and provided two assists, one of which was for Pedro's goal in the final.
His performance against Flamengo was heavily criticised, but he delivered when it mattered most.
"It’s a great feeling. The gaffer put a great game plan out. He knew where there would space and tried to free me up as much as possible. I just had to repay him and score some goals. He [Enzo Maresca] is building something special. I feel we’re going in the right direction," Palmer said after the game.
"We found a position for Cole [Palmer[ where there was more space to attack. The effort from all the players has been fantastic," Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said.
Why did Cole Palmer visit St Kitts?
After celebrating the Club World Cup win in the USA, Palmer flew to the Caribbean island of St Kitts and Nevis, the birthplace of his grandfather, Sterry Palmer.
The place is special to the England international who wears both flags on his boots. His 'cold' celebration has become popular in a country with less than 50,000 people.
The 23-year-old was received by Deputy Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Geoffrey Hanley and Tourism Minister Marsha T Henderson at the Airport on Monday, July 14, per The Independent.
Source: Getty Images
Upon their arrival, they were greeted with vibrant energy by a troupe of traditional Masquerade performers, delivering an unforgettable St Kitts welcome for Palmer and his family.
“Landing in St Kitts off the back of winning the Club World Cup felt really special," Palmer said.
“It’s where my grandad’s love for football started. The island’s beautiful and really chilled. I can’t wait to explore the mountains, rainforest and sea – and to try out the food.”
St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew was delighted with Palmer's visit.
“His presence and mentorship will inspire the next generation to believe that global success is possible, no matter where you come from."
What next for Cole Palmer and Chelsea?
Palmer and the Blues will take a break following a gruelling 64-game season before returning for pre-season.
There are just over 20 days before their first pre-season game against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan.
They will open their season against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Which players are Chelsea selling?
In a related story, we reported that Chelsea are set to offload up to 13 players following their Club World Cup win.
Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku will reportedly be on the market, as the club considers them surplus to requirements.
The Premier League giants have been in a spending spree in the last few years
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
