COLE PALMER joked he normally “just wears trackies” after dressing to impress for a GQ photoshoot.
The Chelsea star, 22, got into some glad rags alongside fellow England star and Manchester lad Kobbie Mainoo.
The pair got kitted out in threads from designer fashion giants including Burberry, Dior and Louis Vuitton for the interview in a London studio as they rocked various bold blazers, sweaters and jeans.
But after finishing their chats and snaps in the expensive and outlandish outfits, Palmer joked he was far more comfortable in his casual clothes.
He said: “I just wear trackies.”
Mainoo – himself far more accustomed to high-end menswear brands like Enfants Riches Deprimes, Chrome Hearts and Bottega – was quick to try and give his new pal some credit.
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He replied: “I’ve seen you in jeans, bro.”
Palmer, however, is not afraid to splash the cash.
The £130,000-a-week man revealed he did buy himself a platinum and ice-blue Rolex Daytona watch after his first England cap.
And then he picked up a £190,000 Lamborghini – a far cry from his Wythenshawe upbringing.
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But Palmer has not forgotten where he came from, and recently went back to his old youth clubs to donate boots.
Palmer recalled: “When you’re growing up, you don’t really have much, do you know what I mean?
“I remember wanting boots off my dad and he wouldn’t get me them, and that. You’re living in council houses. So just to try and give back when you get to this position is nice.”
Despite both growing up in Manchester, Palmer and Mainoo did not become pals until Euro 2024.
They bonded over playing padel and table tennis in the camp in Germany.
It was a tournament that ended with Palmer replacing Mainoo with 20 minutes to go in the final against Spain – and scoring the equalising goal that had every England fan dreaming of what might have been – before both men were called in for drugs testing.
I’ve seen you in jeans, bro.
Kobbie Mainoo
But though the goal is etched into the memory of most, the Chelsea forward admitted he does not really recall what happened.
Palmer has gone from strength to strength since his £40million transfer from Manchester City to Stamford Bridge – becoming the key cog under Mauricio Pochettino and now Enzo Maresca.
He kickstarted this season with seven goals and five assists in his opening nine Premier League games.
But despite playing the full 90 minutes of Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal, he joined eight others in withdrawing from England’s Nations League squad – prompting an angry reaction from skipper Harry Kane.
Palmer, though, is desperate for a break – namely the return of the winter break.
Asked about the January respite, he said in the GQ Magazine interview: “Yeah. The more breaks the better.
“People will start getting injured more.”
Mainoo concurred: “It’s a crazy amount of games.”
Chelsea ratings vs Arsenal
Robert Sanchez – 6
Still punches the ball clear when a catch would be much safer – and reassuring for the fans behind him.
Malo Gusto – 6
Went close with a header in the first-half. But was missing at right-back when Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli’s 59th minute goal. The problem with also playing in midfield.
Wesley Fofana – 7
Strong challenges and now fully back from lengthy injury. Also went close to a goal in the second half when he pumped the ball just over.
Levi Colwill – 6
Forging a partnership with Fofana at the heart of defence. Got caught dangerously in possession by Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard but recovered.
Marc Cucurella – 7
Cracking tussle with Bukayo Saka. Despite being one of only three men on the pitch wearing gloves, including the keepers, Chelsea’s left-back is a formidable defender.
Moises Caicedo – 6
Enjoying a run of form at the moment that includes last weekend’s volleyed equaliser at Manchester United. Strong tackler and smooth through the gears in midfield.
Romeo Lavia – 6
A surprise package keeping £107million Enzo Fernandez out of the team. After a terrible run of injuries is forming some consistency. But any twinge is a scare and came off in the 66th minute.
Noni Madueke – 6
Called up to the latest England squad and is mobile and nippy. Also seemed a bit stroppy and went straight down the tunnel when subbed in the 66th minute. Perhaps needed treatment.
Cole Palmer – 6
Maybe the sore knee is still troubling him. Only trained yesterday for the first time in almost a week. But it hampered his impact on a disjointed London derby.
Pedro Neto – 7
Starting to make his presence felt after being relegated to the Conference League matches. Stunning powerful drive for the equaliser and full of energy.
Nicolas Jackson – 6
Feisty and fiery but went to ground too easily to win a couple of free kicks when he could have done more damage on his feet. Gives everything though.
The Manchester United midfielder and FA Cup winner recently moved out of his family home into his own pad.
Palmer’s parents, meanwhile, have got a shining reminder of their son’s achievements during his bit-part role in the Treble-winning season for City before his move to London.
The forward kept hold of his PFA Young and Chelsea Player of the Year trophies at his own place and hopes to add to his cabinet – but the City successes are back with mum Marie.
Palmer said: “I give them to my mum.
“I wanted to restock. Clear them out so I can stock up again.
“The feeling you get when you win… you just want it again.
“You don’t want to stop and never get that feeling again.”
The feeling you get when you win… you just want it again.
Cole Palmer
It is a feeling he would have had in the Premier League again last term if he stayed at the Etihad – but whether he would have been involved much remains unlikely, even after Riyad Mahrez’s exit.
Instead, he left and it paid off as he earned his own personal breakthrough.
Explaining the deadline-day transfer to Chelsea, Palmer said: “I remember training on a Wednesday at City in the afternoon, and the news was ‘they’re trying to agree a fee’.
“Every time the ball went out I’d ask the kit man or the doctor if they’ve agreed the fee yet.”
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“I didn’t really get a chance to see many people and say I’m going. I just had to get my stuff.
“I messaged the group chat and said, ‘Thanks and everything. I’m gone.’ That was it.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
