Chelsea number change inspired Palmer to emulate Messi and Rooney

Cole Palmer revealed the reasoning behind taking Chelsea's number 10 shirt was to try and emulate idols Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney. 

Palmer joined the Blues in 2023 from Manchester City and has become a standout player for Chelsea, netting 40 goals and providing 26 assists in all competitions. 

The 23-year-old previously wore the number 20 shirt, but chose to change his number previously worn by Chelsea greats Eden Hazard, Joe Cole and Willian. 

Palmer marked his first appearance with his new number in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC in their first game at this year's Club World Cup. 

"Messi, the big one, Rooney and players like that. It's just an iconic number. I wore No. 10 all my life growing up and I just like the number," Palmer said.

The England international was speaking ahead of the Blues' second game at the Club World Cup, where they face Brazilian side Flamengo at Lincoln Financial Field. 

Their last matches against Brazilian opposition were in the old format of the Club World Cup, losing the 2012 final to Corinthians 1-0 and beating Palmeiras 2-1 in the 2021 final.

While unable to get on the scoresheet against LAFC, Palmer played a vital role in Enzo Fernandez's goal, slipping in debutant Liam Delap, who crossed for the Argentine to finish. 

After the game, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca revealed that he had told Palmer to "take initiative" after the midfielder's comments after their Europa League conference triumph. 

Palmer became the first player to assist two goals in a major European final since Marcelo for Real Madrid in the 2018 Champions League final in their 4-1 win over Real Betis last month.

He was also the first to do so for an English club since Juan Mata also did so for Chelsea in the 2013 Europa League showpiece against Benfica.

But after the game, Palmer claimed he was "sick of going backwards and sideways", but he was quick to dismiss any disagreements with Maresca over the Blues' style of play. 

"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. I wanted to get the ball and try something different than previously.

"Obviously you can't take the p*** and do like whatever you want and stuff, but I feel like he [Maresca] still gives you a little bit of room to try and see what I can do."