Guardiola: ‘Palmer asked to leave City for 2 years’

Cole Palmer wanted to leave Manchester City “for 2 campaigns” before his transfer to Chelsea, head coach Pep Guardiola shared today.

Cole moved to the Blues in a 53 million dollar deal before the beginning of the season and has become 1 of the signings of the season after netting 23 goals in all tournaments, including 20 goals in the EPL.

Pep Guardiola is challenged on Cole Palmer and is asked whether it was a 'mistake' selling him 😮 pic.twitter.com/HJ8RXTxpmM

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 19, 2024

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Manchester City boss shrugged when asked whether it was a mistake to let Palmer leave but admitted the player wanted to leave the Sky Blues long before he joined the club from Stamford Bridge.

“Palmes is a phenomenal player,” Pep shared with the media.

“I already talked many times that I didn’t give the minutes that maybe he deserved, and now he has for another team. I understand that.

“Palmer is a shy guy with a lot of potential. It is what it is. Cole is performing phenomenally, so what can I say? The transfer has happened for many reasons.

“Palmer was asking for 2 campaigns to leave, and I said stay. However, he shared that he is not happy with his playing time. What could we do? I told him to stay because Riyad [Mahrez] left, but for 2 years, he wanted to leave.”