Cole Palmer says he is “hungry” to get back to his best following Chelsea’s impressive display in their Premier League opener against Fulham.
Palmer scored the Blues’ third goal of the night in a 3-2 win at Craven Cottage, having already set up Joao Pedro’s opener in an impressive display for the England international.
After a difficult 2025-26 season due to injury and a loss of form that saw him miss the World Cup, the 24-year-old looked at his best again, starring alongside new man Morgan Rogers and £117m Joao Pedro.
When asked how prepared he was for the season, Palmer issued a candid response: “Didn’t you watch the game? Just kidding, I’m ready you know.”
“It’s been a tough season with injuries and so on, but over the summer and since I’ve been back I’ve worked extra hard. Obviously with the injuries I’ve had to try to prevent them and work extra hard day in and day out.
“I know what talent I have to be able to give performances like this.”
Palmer: I used the World Cup to recharge my batteries
Palmer said he has used his quieter-than-usual summer – due to Thomas Tuchel’s snub of England’s World Cup squad – to rest and ensure he returns to his best form this season.
He added: “Normally I’m not an emotional person. People who know me know that I’m not usually bothered by things in life, but over the summer I had a break, recharged my energy, and yes, I’m ready and I’m hungry.”
“The important thing is – the away game is always difficult but we stuck together and got the win.”
“Surreal playing with Rogers”
Palmer has shown some encouraging bonding with new man Rogers, who was also on the scoresheet for west London.
It’s a partnership formed long before tonight, with the two close friends from their days at Manchester City’s academy.
“When you grow up, you want to play or do anything with your best friends, so playing soccer at the best level seems surreal,” Palmer said.
Delight Rogers debut
Rogers was pleased with his quick start to the Blues following his summer move from Aston Villa and was full of praise for teammate Palmer’s performance.
“It’s beautiful,” Rogers said. “You want to adapt as quickly as possible, go with the team and with the fans, and feel that affection in the first game. Obviously scoring is a really beautiful moment for me.
“Everyone knows how good he is. He obviously had a tough year with injuries and things last year, and you can see in his eyes in pre-season training that he is ready this year and ready to prove people wrong.
“And you saw it in that performance, he’s trying to throw a mile, and that’s what he does. And yeah, it’s good to have him on our side.”
