Cole Palmer's reluctant leap sparks Chelsea fire

The young star's revelation, shared in the Prime Video documentary England's Lions: A New Generation, comes during a rocky patch at Stamford Bridge, where he's endured a nine-game goal drought, his longest barren run since joining the Blues.

Despite this slump, Palmer's numbers still dazzle. He's bagged 14 goals and six assists this season, topping the Premier League for key passes. However, his perfect penalty record took a hit when he missed against Leicester City, adding to his frustrations.

"You get a bit disheartened at City - why am I not getting a chance to play?" he said in the documentary. "You just know when you're ready."

Chelsea's dip in form hasn't helped. After a promising start under Enzo Maresca, the Blues have stumbled, leaning heavily on Palmer and the injured Nicolas Jackson.

Jackson, sidelined since early February with a hamstring issue, won't return until at least April, leaving Palmer short of a reliable partner up top. "I was so adamant for ages that I wasn't going," Palmer confessed, reflecting on his initial reluctance to swap Manchester for London.

Yet, he later told his father, Jermaine, it was "the best decision of my career."

The 22-year-old's love for the game shines through. "I'm thankful," he said. "Growing up around Wythenshawe, everyone does footy or drugs. There are two paths. I just love football so much."

His graft has paid off - Chelsea remain the third-highest scorers in the league, but the supporting cast, including Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, and Christopher Nkunku, have failed to fire consistently. Nkunku, in particular, might be on his way out after struggling for minutes.

READ MORE: Enzo Maresca: Chelsea look to rotate squad ahead of Arsenal clash