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Pep Guardiola discloses the conversation that led to Cole Palmer completing £42.5m Chelsea transfer in summer.
Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that the departure of Cole Palmer from Manchester City during the summer was unfortunate, revealing details of their discussions leading up to the transfer.
Palmer opted to join Chelsea on deadline day for a fee of £42.5 million, leaving City after making notable contributions with goals in the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup finals.
His performance at Chelsea, with three goals and four assists in his first 10 games this season, has highlighted what City has lost.
Guardiola expressed his desire to retain Palmer by informing him that Riyad Mahrez would soon be leaving, creating an opportunity for more regular play in the City squad. However, Palmer conveyed his decision to leave City and seek regular playing time at Chelsea, a choice he has been able to realize with his current club.
“Cole arrived and accepted some processes and then after one or two years said ‘No, I don’t want to play here, I am not going to play.’ But I said ‘Riyad [Mahrez] is leaving, you are going to get a chance here,’ and he said ‘No, I am not going to play here, I want to leave,’ so I said ‘OK, leave,’” Guardiola explained. “He got what he wanted. It is good for him. He is a young player, a huge talent otherwise he would not have been here. He is a nice lad and is doing really good.”
On Sunday, Guardiola’s side will face Palmer and another familiar face in Raheem Sterling. Guardiola was also asked if he had ever stopped a player from joining a rival before, Guardiola said, “Never, ever. I give my opinion to the club and they decide if the transfer suits both sides and the player. Why? I think that means you are a small club. Big clubs, they don’t prefer [care], they make decisions for the benefit of all three parties; players and both clubs, and agents sometimes.
“So really it is not a problem. They want to go to Chelsea or United or Liverpool, whatever, what is the problem? They are happy to be there, the club is happy with the transfer. The other club is happy with the amount of money they spend, it is fine.”
Manchester City will play Chelsea on Sunday at 4:30 PM BST in an attempt to increase their advantage at the top of the league.