Where does Cole Palmer's goal celebration come from? Chelsea star's 'cold' pose a nod to close bond with Aston Villa player

05/22/2024 07:19 AM

Cole Palmer will hope to light up Euro 2024 for England this summer following a stunning individual season for Chelsea.

The 22-year-old’s goalscoring heroics propelled him into Gareth Southgate‘s squad but he is still waiting to open his account for the Three Lions.

A £40million arrival from Manchester City last summer, two-cap international Palmer has made a mockery of his price-tag.

His 22 Premier League goals equalled Chelsea legend Frank Lampard's best-ever scoring season for the Blues.

And his signature celebration has taken the country by storm just as much as his strikes, with England fans waiting to see it in Germany.

Palmer is synonymous with the ‘shiver’ or ‘cold’ pose after scoring, which sees him rub his arms as if feeling the winter weather.

His cool composure in front of goal has also earned him the nickname ‘Cold Palmer’ – a play on his first name – referencing the slang for cold, meaning awesome.

Where does Palmer's goal celebration come from?

Palmer first did his ‘cold’ gesture after scoring two goals in a 3-2 win over Luton Town at the end of December.

His Chelsea teammate Noni Madueke told TNT Sports after the match: “That’s why they call him ‘Cold Palmer’, innit?”

Palmer himself revealed that it was actually a nod to his former Manchester City academy team-mate Morgan Rogers.

Aston Villa ace Rogers was at the time playing for Middlesbrough and had done the celebration after scoring a winner against West Bromwich Albion in the Championship a week earlier.

Palmer admitted: “My boy Morgs did one for Middlesbrough, so I told him I'd do it too if I scored.”

Palmer continued his electric goalscoring form in 2024 and soon the celebration became synonymous with him.

Rogers joined his close friend in the Premier League after arriving at Villa the following month and the pair shared a pitch when Unai Emery‘s side drew 2-2 with the Blues in April.

The former scored his side’s second goal of the game against Chelsea and was accused of copying Palmer when he did the ‘cold’ pose.

However, discussing the moment afterwards, Rogers insisted: “He definitely copied me. It's my celebration.

“Check the timeline, I did it first.”

Rogers continued: “He's one of my closest friends in life. I couldn't be more proud of him. He's showing everyone what I knew he could do two or three years ago.”