Palmer returns to face old Club
Manchester City is set to face Cole Palmer, their former academy star, in the FA Cup semi-final this Saturday at Wembley.
Manager Pep Guardiola has taken responsibility for Palmer’s departure, claiming the youngster had been pushing for a move away for the past two years, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Cole Palmer’s isre and departure
Despite joining City’s academy at a young age and breaking into the first team during the pandemic, Palmer opted to leave for Chelsea last summer in a hefty £42 million deal.

The move paid off for Palmer, as he has flourished at Chelsea, scoring an impressive 20 Premier League goals—currently neck-and-neck with Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot. His performances have even put him in contention for a spot in England’s European Championship squad.
Guardiola’s Regret: Missed Opportunities?
Guardiola acknowledged that he might not have provided Palmer with the playing time he deserved, potentially contributing to his desire to leave. This adds another layer to the upcoming FA Cup clash, as Palmer will be eager to prove himself against his former club.

“Playing that level is exceptional. He’s an exceptional player. I didn’t give the minutes that maybe he deserved and now he has at Chelsea. I understand completely.
“He’s a shy guy with a lot of potential. It is what it is. He’s playing fantastic so what can I say, the decision has been made for many reasons,” Guardiola said.
Meanwhile, Sports Buddy reported in previous news that Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Nicolas Jackson were involved in a physical altercation. The Blues asserted their dominance over their opponents, ultimately triumphing with a 6-0 victory.