Chelsea star Cole Palmer admits it will be "weird" returning to Manchester City on Saturday. He's making his first trip back to the Etihad Stadium since his surprise move to west London at the end of the summer transfer window.

The 21 year old cost Chelsea an initial £40million with an additional £2.5m in possible add-ons, but he's proved his worth by topping the Blues' scoring charts with 12 goals. "I have been surprised by how well it's gone here so quickly, but I always back myself to succeed," Palmer told the club's official website.

He added: "I'm looking forward to going back to the Etihad. It will be strange, a weird feeling, but I'm looking forward to it and the team's looking forward to it. I'm very excited to be honest, even though it will be strange."

Palmer further commented: "Obviously I played against them at Stamford Bridge, but I think going back to the Etihad will be even stranger." The two teams played out a thrilling 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge in November when Palmer equalised from the penalty spot in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

With ten of Palmer's Chelsea goals coming in the Premier League, his form has put him in contention for a place in England's Euro 2024 squad this summer.

Palmer, who has been with City since he was eight, shared: "When I made the decision to come down here with my family it was a really tough decision to leave. But I felt like I was ready to play week in, week out and showcase my ability."

He also expressed his gratitude by saying: "So thank you to the club and everyone who has supported me." Talking about his new experiences, he added: "It's down to the manager (Mauricio Pochettino) giving me the freedom, the club giving me the opportunity and the lads, who have been great with me since I came in."

Palmer is happy at Chelsea despite their ups and downs this season, noting: "I've settled fast so I'm enjoying it here. The manager helps us all every day. Little conversations telling us what to do.

"We have meetings and he believes in us and we believe in ourselves. Everyone's going to talk when you're not doing well, but we just need to try and block it out and focus on ourselves."