Chelsea star Cole Palmer has explained why he took the No. 10 jersey from Mykhailo Mudryk, which he wore for the first time when the Blues faced LAFC at the Club World Cup.

Cole Palmer arrived at Chelsea during the 2023 summer transfer window from Manchester City and was handed the no.20 jersey.

He was incredible in his first season at Stamford Bridge, registering 25 goals and 15 assists. He was also awarded the Premier League Young Player of the Season for the 2023/24 campaign.

He wore the No.20 shirt during his second season at the club. His numbers declined significantly, but he led the Blues to UEFA Conference League glory.

The No.20 shirt has been worn by players like Callum Hudson-Odoi, Victor Moses, Deco, and Paulo Ferreira.

Chelsea announced that Palmer will wear the No. 10 jersey ahead of the 2025/26 season. He wore the number in the Blues' first Club World Cup match against LAFC, which they won 2-0.

The England international said he wanted to emulate the likes of Inter Miami star Lionel Messi and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.

"I wore No.10 growing up and I like the number,’"Palmer added. ‘"ionel Messi is, obviously, the big one [who has worn the number] and then players like Wayne Rooney – it’s just a really iconic number," he told Chelsea.com.

Mykhailo Mudryk wore the jersey before Palmer took it. The Ukrainian was recently charged by the Football Association (FA) for anti-doping violations.

Other Blues stars who wore the shirt number include Willian, Eden Hazard, one of Chelsea's greatest players, Juan Mata, Joe Cole, and Mark Hughes.

Palmer also dismissed reports that he has fallen out with his coach, Enzo Maresca, after he appeared to question his tactics.

"We had a joke about it," said Palmer. "My comments weren't towards the manager or anything. It was just a personal thing. I felt like in the game, I was maybe being a bit safe. So that's where the comment came from."

The Blues will open their 2025/26 Premier League season against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 17, followed by West Ham, Fulham, Brentford, and then Manchester United.

Maresca's side will also play UEFA Champions League football next season, and the pressure will be huge next season after years of extravagant spending.

Earlier, reported that a supercomputer predicted the 2025/26 Premier League winner after fixtures were released.

Liverpool have been backed to win the title again ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal, who have been backed to finish second and third, respectively.

The supercomputer has also predicted that Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, last season's Europa League finalists, are set to finish 14th and 15th, respectively.

Source: TUKO.co.ke