Chelsea star Cole Palmer's selfless gesture to help the next generation of football talent

Chelsea star Cole Palmer says he is happy to become a role model to inspire the next generation and help them become the next superstars of the game. The 21-year-old has been sensational since joining Chelsea for a fee of around £42million in the summer. 

Before joining Chelsea, he’d never scored in the Premier League but he’s bagged 20 goals already this season and provided nine assists. He’s got the same number of goals as Erling Haaland, but it’s even more impressive playing in a chaotic Chelsea side who have struggled for consistency and direction. 

Leading the goal charts in the world’s best league comes with fame and responsibility, and Palmer has moved fast to team up with Re-Kicks, who are championing an initiative calling for fans across the UK to donate their unused and unwanted football boots to be cleaned up and restored by Cif. 

This sportswear will be redistributed to communities and young people across the country – ultimately providing more opportunities to play.

Speaking of the new partnership, the Chelsea forward said: “Growing up I saw how the cost to play football was a big problem for families and in some cases, not a reality. That’s why the Re-Kicks initiative is so important to me. 

“By helping to keep young people involved in the sport, I hope to inspire them to keep chasing their dreams on and off the pitch.”

Chelsea learn the painful lesson without Palmer at the Emirates

On the pitch, Palmer’s Chelsea were swept aside easily by an in-form Arsenal side who hit them with five goals to go four points clear at the summit of the league table. 

Great players are good when playing playing but their absence is well felt and that is what Chelsea found out at the Emirates with manager Mauricio Pochettino confirming after the game that they missed their star man. 

He told reporters at the Emirates: "We cannot say that was the reason we lost the game, but we lost a player who is a creative player who helps to link the team. We are losing players and that has made it very difficult.” 

The 5-0 defeat to Arsenal last night was the biggest defeat Chelsea have suffered to the Gunners in Premier League history and will hope to have Palmer back for their visit to Villa Park this weekend.