Cole Palmer landed on the tiny Caribbean islands immediately after Chelsea defeated PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup final. For the Blues and England national team midfielder, this journey is not a resort getaway but a return to his roots: it was here, on Saint Kitts, that his grandfather was born. Palmer spoke with our correspondent about his first visit to his ancestral homeland, the taste of Caribbean football, and his plans for the new season.
A Victory Dedicated to the Family
R: Cole, how symbolic was it for you to come here right after the triumph in Saudi Arabia?
CP: It feels like the circle has closed. I had dreamed of dedicating a major trophy to my grandad, and the victory over PSG was the perfect occasion. My family has supported me since childhood, and now I can share the joy right where our story began.
The Flag on My Boots: A Reminder of My Roots
R: We always see a small Saint Kitts flag next to the British one on your boots. What does it mean to you on the pitch?
CP: It’s my personal talisman. With every slide tackle and every pass I feel I’m playing for two countries at once. England gave me an academy education, but my Caribbean blood adds audacity and improvisation.
Caribbean Flavor: Mountains, Jerk Chicken and Street Football
R: Have you had time to explore the local beauty?
CP: Tomorrow I’m climbing Mount Liamigua, and the evening is reserved for fishing with my cousins. And of course I’m eager to try real jerk chicken, not the stuff they serve in London. By the way, kids here play barefoot on the sand, but their technique is unreal! I want to run a master class on the school field.
Statistics Are Just Numbers
R: Eighteen goals and fourteen assists in 58 matches last season—an impressive return for a central midfielder. What goals are you setting now?
CP: The main thing is consistency. At Chelsea I want to improve my pressing and boost my xA numbers. And for the Three Lions I dream of a starting spot at Euro 2028. This trip has given me an emotional reboot—I’m sure it will help me take the next step.
A Sea of Inspiration Before the Next Challenge
R: Finally, what feeling prevails when you look at the Caribbean Sea?
CP: An incredible calm. Every wave reminds me that football is a game of happiness and freedom. I’m heading back to London full of motivation: I want my story to inspire kids from here to believe in great heights.
