Chelsea star Cole Palmer very nearly didn't leave Manchester City - admitting he had to be convinced to depart the Etihad.
The 22-year-old has been a revelation since his £42.5million move from the Citizens to west London. In just over a year, he's contributed 32 goals and 20 assists in 58 matches, establishing himself as one of the top talents in the UK and even Europe.
It was a move that came as a shock to many, as Palmer had scored in the Community Shield against Arsenal and in the Super Cup Final against Sevilla. And the England international has revealed that he was close to staying put.
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In an interview with GQ, when asked how he decided to move to the capital, he said: "I wasn't even going to go. I got persuaded."
His former boss Pep Guardiola recently claimed Palmer wanted to leave to pursue first-team football. When asked if that was true, Palmer half-contradicted his former boss, claiming he wanted to play more games but wanted to go out on loan.
When asked to recall his feelings while Chelsea negotiated with City, he said: "I remember training on a Wednesday at City in the afternoon, and the news was, 'They (Chelsea) are trying to agree a fee'.
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"Every time the ball went out I'd ask the kit man or the doctor if they've agreed the fee yet."
The negotiations proved to be a tense affair which took a substantial period of time to figure out. Palmer added: "I didn't really get a chance to see many people and say I'm going.
"I just had to get my stuff. I
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