Overview

• Palmer switched from No.20 to the iconic No.10 shirt after Mykhailo Mudryk was charged with a doping offence, saying he chose the number to emulate Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney.
• The 23-year-old helped secure Chelsea’s 2-0 win over LAFC in the Club World Cup opener, with his image prominent across Philadelphia’s tournament branding.
• Palmer explained that he wore a face mask on the flight to block plane odors and revealed that Maresca was unaware of its true purpose.
• He downplayed any disagreement over Chelsea’s style of play, calling his comments on team tactics “a joke” and praising the freedom he still enjoys on the pitch.
• Chelsea will face Brazilian side Flamengo next in Group D as Palmer looks to maintain his fast-rising form in pursuit of global silverware.