Cole Palmer says he is “hungry” to get back to his best after a superb display in Chelsea’s Premier League opening win over 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 what was an outstanding display for the England international.
After a difficult 2025-26 season due to injury and a loss of form which saw him miss out on the World Cup, the 24-year-old looked to be in top form once again, starring alonside new £117million man Morgan Rogers and Joao Pedro.
Asked how ready he is for the season, Palmer issued the frank response: “Did you not watch the game? I’m only joking, I’m ready you know.
“It was a difficult season with injuries and whatnot but through the summer and since I’ve been back I’ve worked extra hard. Obviously with the injuries I’ve had to try and prevent them and work extra hard day in, day out.
“I know the talent I’ve got so I can put in performances like that.”
Palmer: I used World Cup to recharge
Palmer said he used his quieter than usual summer – due to his snub from England’s World Cup squad by Thomas Tuchel – to rest up and ensure he is back to best this season.
He added: “Normally I’m not an emotional person, the people who know me know I’m not usually bothered about things in life, but over the summer I rested, I recharged and yeah I’m ready and I’m hungry.
“It’s important – away game first is always tough but we dug in and got the win.”
‘Surreal to play with Rogers’
Palmer showed some encouraging link-up with new man Rogers, who was also on the scoresheet in West London.
It is a partnership which has been forged long before tonight, with the pair close friends from their days in the Manchester City academy.
“When you grow up you want to play or do anything with your best friends, so playing football at the best level feels surreal,” Palmer said.
Rogers debut delight
Rogers was pleased with his fast start with the Blues following his summer switch from Aston Villa and was full of praise for team-mate Palmer’s performance.
“It’s nice,” Rogers said. “You want to settling as quickly as possible, getting to go with the squad and with the fans, and to feel that affection in the first game. And obviously, to score is a really nice moment for me.
“Everyone knows how good he is. Obviously, had a difficult year with injuries and stuff last year, and you can see in his eyes in preseason in training that he’s ready this year and he’s ready to prove people wrong.
“And you saw that with that performance, that’s trying to pitch by a mile, and that’s what he does. And yeah, it’s good to own him on our side.”
