Cole Palmer: Yes, I believe I can win the Ballon D’Or

Exclusive: Chelsea player tells Telegraph Sport why he really does the ‘cold celebration’ and targeting Lampard’s scoring record

He scored four goals in the first half for Chelsea in their home game against Brighton and is eyeing up a key role in Thomas Tuchel’s new-look England team. 
Here, 22-year old Cole Palmer tells Telegraph Sport why he could end his career at Chelsea, his thoughts of his change of position under Enzo Maresca and his ideal day…
You signed a nine-year contract in the summer – that would take you to 31. Could you see yourself spending your entire career at Chelsea?
Absolutely. Chelsea feels like home to me, and I’m excited about what we can achieve together. I’m fully committed to the club and its future.
You were shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or – did that come as a surprise and is it a trophy you can win?
It was a surprise to be recognised at that level so early in my career. It’s a huge honour. Winning it would be brilliant, and I believe with hard work and consistency I could get there!
When did you first do your celebration, what does it mean and how does it feel watching others copy it?
I first did the ‘cold’ celebration last December in a game against Luton where we won 3-2. It’s a nod to my former Manchester City academy team-mate Morgan Rogers [who is now at Aston Villa]. 
It symbolises joy, passion and hard determination for the game plus it’s funny as it works well with my name. Everyone knows it’s my celebration. Lots of people might have done it, but everybody knows it is my celebration.
Is repetition now the key to becoming world class? Do you need to equal or surpass last season in order to step up another level?
Repetition is vital. You have to keep pushing your limits and improving every season. It’s about setting higher standards foryourself and striving to surpass them.
Frank Lampard’s Premier League best was 22 goals in a season for Chelsea, can you beat that?
That’s a solid record. It’s definitely a goal of mine to aim for that…and maybe even beyond! I’m always looking to improve my scoring tally and I think I’ve shown this by scoring four in the first half [against Brighton last month]. Apparently I made history!
You’ve had a change of position under Enzo Maresca, playing more centrally. Do you prefer that?
Playing centrally has given me more opportunities to influence the game. I enjoy being involved in the build-up and making key passes as well as scoring. It suits my style, and I think I can be even more effective there.
Are you finding you’re being marked more closely this season and are you getting rougher treatment? What’s the best way to deal with that?
Definitely. Defenders are more aware of my presence, but that’s part of the game. I focus on keeping my composure, using my skills and finding ways to create space for myself.
How do you view the Euros now with time to reflect? Do you wish you had played more?
Looking back, the experience was invaluable. I learned a lot from being part of the squad. Of course I’d love to play more, but it’s all about contributing to the team when you get out on the pitch.
Luke Shaw said his goal in the 2021 Euros final meant nothing because England lost. How do you feel about yours in this summer’s final?
Scoring in a final is always special, but like Luke, you ultimately want to win. I’ll always remember the feeling from that moment, but then turn my focus on winning.
Have you watched it back at all?
I’ve seen clips, but I prefer to focus on what we can improve on for the future.
Cometh the COLE! 🥶pic.twitter.com/qwFfYbLuw6
You’ve been left out of Chelsea’s Conference League squad to protect your fitness. Do you have any worries over your condition?
Not really. The management’s decision was for the best, and I’m focused on keeping fit and ready for the next opportunities.
You will play another summer of football at the Club World Cup. That will be three summers in a row after the Under 21s and the Euros. Is that too much?
It’s a lot of football, but I thrive on it. Playing in these tournaments is an incredible experience.
You’re a great natural finisher and penalty taker. Do you practise more than normal and do you visualise outcomes – or does it just come naturally?
A bit of both really. I put in a lot of work on my finishing and penalties. Sometimes I try to imagine the scenarios before they happen, but I’ve always had a natural instinct for goalscoring.
Have you always known you’d make it, or were there times you thought football wouldn’t work out?
There were tough moments, especially in my youth career, but I always believed in my ability and kept pushing to get to where I knew I could be.
Wayne Rooney was your idol – are you a street footballer in the same mould?
Wayne was and still is a massive inspiration for me. I do enjoy that street football style, playing freely and creatively. I’d like to think it’s where a lot of my skills come from!
You watched a lot of football at Wythenshawe growing up. Did that influence how you see the game?
Yeah, for sure. Watching games and local talent helped shape my understanding and appreciation of football. It inspired me to pursue my dreams and I hope I can inspire others to do the same.
How much did watching your dad Jermaine for Blackboy shape your football influence?
Watching my dad play was a huge influence. He taught me the love for the game and the importance of hard work and dedication.
Has your grandfather Sterry Cole told you all about the Windrush generation? What does St Kitts and Nevis mean to you?
Yes, my grandfather has shared so many stories. St Kitts and Nevis represents my heritage, and I’m proud of my roots. It’s a big part of who I am.
What interested you in getting involved with the Re-Kicks project [which restores used football boots for budding young players from disadvantaged backgrounds]?
I’ve always been passionate about using my platform to give back. The Re-Kicks project resonates with me because it supports young talent and promotes inclusivity in football. It’s important to inspire the next generation, and I want to be part of that.
What boots did you start to play in and how many would you go through in a year?
I started off in some classic Nike Mercurials; they just felt right from the beginning. In a season, I probably go through three or four pairs, especially with the intensity of training and matches. They wear out quickly!
How often do you change your boots during a season, and what happens to them after you have finished with them?
I usually change them when I feel they’re losing their grip or starting to fall apart. After I’ve finished with them, I often donate them to charities or give them to young players who can use them, which is why it’s great to be part of the Re-Kicks initiative.
What’s your ideal day?
An ideal day for me would start with a good training session, some time with family, maybe a bit of gaming, and then a great match in the evening, capped off with a win.
Cole Palmer spoke to Telegraph Sport through his role as a figurehead for the Cif Re-Kicks initiative