‘I want to leave’: Pep Guardiola says £42.5m ‘huge talent’ was adamant he wanted to leave Man City

According to Pep Guardiola, he extended an offer of increased playing time to Cole Palmer at Manchester City; however, the youngster declined.

Palmer joined Chelsea for an alleged total of £42.5 million during the summer transfer window, one of several players to depart.

Palmer was observed by City supporters enjoying a respectable start to the new season. However, he ultimately left after the Blues acquired him.

Some were taken aback by City’s willingness to release him subsequent to the sale of Riyad Mahrez. However, Chelsea paid a substantial sum of money for him, so the club’s decision is justified.

Pep Guardiola has been discussing Palmer in advance of his first match since departing the club today, when he faces City…

Palmer’s desire for additional playing time was cited by Pep, and subsequent to the embargo, additional press conference remarks from Guardiola surfaced.

Palmer was always likely to be a topic of conversation prior to Pep’s match against Chelsea. This is especially true given Palmer’s relatively strong start with the Blues.

The Spaniard discussed his departure and disclosed that he had offered Palmer additional playing time following Mahrez’s departure; however, the player declined to remain.

He stated (as reported by the Daily Mail): “I informed him, ‘Riyad Mahrez is leaving; you will have your opportunity here.'” “He stated, ‘No, I will not be playing here; I wish to depart,’ to which I replied, ‘Okay, depart!'”

Pep is satisfied with Palmer’s solid start at Stamford Bridge, adding (via City Xtra): “He would not be here if he were not a young player, a young player, and a tremendous talent.” “He is performing exceptionally well, has tremendous potential, and is a decent young man!”

Pep’s statement that he did predict Palmer would receive more playing time due to Riyad Mahrez’s departure is intriguing.

He was heavily involved by the manager at the outset of the 2023–24 campaign.

Palmer simply believed that by leaving, he would have a more substantial opportunity to perform on a regular basis. His decision has been vindicated thus far. Already, he resembles one of the greatest players for Chelsea.

At City, he was perpetually on the periphery, so his departure is not entirely his fault.
It is highly probable that the traveling City supporters will extend him a warm reception today; in fact, he merits it.