Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola has accepted full responsibility for Cole Palmer's move to rivals Chelsea.
Since leaving City, Palmer has played in his first two games for England, scoring 10 goals in the Premier League.
“After two or three seasons, he wanted more minutes than he did last season, which I completely understand,” Guardiola said.
“If I had the minutes that Palmer gave to Phil. [Foden] Cole Palmer was supposed to be here from the beginning, but I didn't give them to him. That's my responsibility.
“Why? Because of Bernardo.” [Silva]Riyadh [Mahrez],fill. At that moment, I chose something else. ”
Palmer, a product of City's academy, started two Premier League games in 2022-23 and made a further 12 substitute appearances as Guardiola's side won the title.
Mahrez moved to Saudi Arabia's Al Ahly in a £30m deal in July, and a month later Palmer scored in City's Community Shield win over Arsenal at Wembley, the match ending 1-1. The Gunners won 4-1 in the subsequent penalty shootout. .
Palmer also scored against Sevilla in the European Super Cup, but only played 10 minutes as a substitute in City's opening three Premier League games of the 2023-24 season before moving to Chelsea on transfer deadline day.
Guardiola added: “For young players, we always want them to stay, which is normal.”
“After one season, that's great, and the second season, and then the third season, you're like, 'Oh, I want to play, but I don't want to sit on the bench.'
“That's normal. We understand as a club. He's got an offer from a great top club like Chelsea and I'm really happy for him. Things like this happen at any club.”
Palmer scored the equalizer from the penalty spot late in Chelsea's game against City. Both teams were tied 4-4. At Stamford Bridge in November.
He is Chelsea's top scorer with 12 goals in all competitions this season and his team's top assist maker with nine goals, and Guardiola is not surprised by his success.
“We knew the quality he had and the impact he showed this season was huge,” added the Spaniard.
“It's not just the goals and the assists, it's the quality. He is an incredible threat for Chelsea. He will be remembered in the future. It looks easy, but it's not.”
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino felt there was no particular motivation for Palmer to face his former club, who are in 10th place, eight behind Manchester City.
“He's not the type of player who needs to prove something,” Pochettino said.
“I think he really appreciates his time at Manchester City. [but] He quit because he wanted to find another challenge and have the possibility of playing more.
“Man City have a great team. [Clubs] Make decisions that you think are best for the team. It doesn't mean someone isn't a good player.
“The players want to go, but you can't stop them just because you can't give them game time. It's unfair to say they'll regret it.
“Man City are one of the best teams in the world and it's not easy for young players to find space to play.”
