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Cole Palmer has put out a clear message to anyone who doubted Chelsea heading into this summer's FIFA Club World Cup.
Enzo Maresca's side successfully navigated FIFA's revamped tournament in the United States to reach Sunday's final, where they met Paris Saint-Germain.
The French opposition - last season's Ligue 1, Coupe de France and Champions League winners - were named the heavy favourites but ended up rocked by Chelsea in New Jersey. The final ended 3-0 to the Blues courtesy of two Palmer strikes inside the opening half-hour, then the midfielder would later assist Joao Pedro to cap a stellar performance.
For his efforts, the 23-year-old was handed the player of the match award for the final, the Club World Cup player of the tournament prize and, of course, he got his hands on the new circular gold trophy for winning the tournament.
Now, Palmer has taken to Instagram with a three-word message of defiance. The caption of his latest post says: "Doubt us now."
Chelsea's successful summer will see the Club World Cup placed alongside the Europa Conference League in the club's trophy cabinet upon returning to London.
Maresca also managed to help the Blues qualify for next season's Champions League in what has been a triumphant first 12 months in SW6.
Although Palmer's form may have dipped during the 2024/25 campaign, his 27 goals and 15 assists from his debut 2023/24 campaign at Chelsea still lives fresh in the memory. He will take confidence from this latest tournament into the new season, which comes around in just one month's time.
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As well as being back in UEFA's top competition, the aim will be to close the the gap to Premier League champions Liverpool, runners-up Arsenal, plus Manchester City.
Palmer was left visibly stunned when the United States' 47th President, Donald Trump, stayed with the team on stage as captain Reece James lifted the Club World Cup trophy.
When asked after the game about Trump gatecrashing his side's celebrations, Palmer said: "I knew he was going to be here but I didn't know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy, so I was a bit confused, yeah."
English (US) ·