Cole Palmer admits it will be strange to be back at Manchester City as a member of the visiting team when Chelsea travel to Etihad Stadium for a Premier League fixture on Saturday.

However, Palmer feels the difficult decision to move to Stamford Bridge has already been justified thanks to the support of Mauricio Pochettino. The Blues next match will see them face City , but for this away trip Palmer will be on very familiar ground.

The 21-year-old had spent his entire career at Man City before leaving for the Blues in August. “It will be a tough game but I’m looking forward to going back to the Etihad,’ he said. ‘It will be strange, a weird feeling, but I’m looking forward to it and the team’s looking forward to it,” said Palmer adding: “I’m very excited to be honest, even though it will be strange. Obviously I played against them at Stamford Bridge, but I think going back to the Etihad will be even stranger. But I’m really looking forward to it.”

The emotions Palmer will feel on his return to the Etihad Stadium are understandable given he began his professional career in the academy at Manchester City before making his senior debut there.

“I have been surprised by how well it’s gone here so quickly, but I always back myself to succeed,” Cole continued. “When I made the decision to come down here with my family it was a really tough decision to leave, but I felt like I was ready to play week in, week out and showcase my ability. So thank you to the club and everyone who has supported me.”