Chelsea’s summer signing, Cole Palmer, has explained his decision to join the Blues from Premier League champions Manchester City.

Palmer signed a long-term contract with Chelsea during the summer transfer window.

The 21-year-old, who featured in the England Under 21 side’s victory over Luxembourg on Monday, said he joined Mauricio Pochettino’s side because he wanted more first-team playing opportunities.

“I’m not saying I shied away from the competition (for places at Man City) because I have never done that,” Palmer said as quoted by Metro UK while explaining his decision to move to the west London club.

“I’d been there (around the first team) for a few years and wanted more of an opportunity to play – in my position and to have more of an impact.

“It was a huge decision [moving to Chelsea]. When I left the training ground on Thursday I knew I was going to London the next day. It all just hit me, sat in the car and going to drive out. I was just thinking, “you’ve been here 15 years”.

“I don’t know any difference. I have never been on loan. I have never moved out of Manchester. The only time I have ever been outside of Manchester is on holiday or away games. Going there does feel weird, but there is no time to waste. I have got to get to it.”