St Kitts welcomes Club World Cup ace Palmer

Cole ‘Ice Cold’ Palmer has had a sensational summer, culminating last month being voted the best player at a tournament containing so many of the game’s top teams and standout stars at the Club World Cup tournament in America.

Chelsea, of course, dominated the European champs, Paris St-Germain 3-0 in the final with Palmer scoring the first two and setting up the third for Joao Pedro. Palmer’s five goal involvements at the Club World Cup was a joint-high tournament figure.

He has been involved in Chelsea’s most impressive displays in his two seasons at Stamford Bridge. He was brilliant in the domestic run-in as they secured Champions League football for next season. He was also dominant in the Conference League final, providing a pair of brilliant assists to turn things around against Real Betis.

Immediately after the final, Palmer went on vacation, receiving a hero’s welcome on arrival in St Kitts for the first time.

St Kitts is the birthplace of his grandfather, Sterry, and Palmer wears the St Kitts and Nevis flag - alongside the England flag - on his boots to honour his family’s roots. Deputy prime minister Geoffrey Hanley and tourism minister Marsha T Henderson greeted the 23-year-old forward and his family at the airport alongside traditional Masquerade performers.

Palmer said: “Landing in St Kitts off the back of winning the Club World Cup felt really special. It’s where my grandad’s love for football started. The island is beautiful and really chilled. I can’t wait to explore the mountains, rainforest and sea - and to try out the food.”

Palmer had a fantastic time and is now ready for Chelsea’s friendlies this weekend against Bayern Leverkusen on Friday, then AC Milan two days later before taking on FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the opening Premier League game on August 17.