Cole Palmer stunned fans after he was seen casually riding an scooter through Times Square, New York, on the eve of Chelsea’s Club World Cup final clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Blues are seeking to become the first team to win the competition in its revamped 32-team format, and will receive a £30million windfall in prize money if they do so.
But Enzo Maresca’s side will need their star players to turn up against the European champions, who have been flawless at the Club World Cup bar an uncharacteristic blip which saw them lose 1-0 against Botafogo in the group phase.
Palmer’s pre-match preparations raised eyebrows, with the superstar taking to the streets of Manhattan less than 24 hours before Sunday’s showdown.
The 23-year-old, who had his hood up in an attempt to hide his identity, was spotted weaving through crowds of tourists, looking relaxed ahead of one of the biggest games of his career.
Nevertheless, one eagle-eyed fan noticed the England international and posted a video online, which has since gained millions of views.
Cole Palmer stunned fans when he was seen riding a scooter around New York on Saturday
The 23-year-old was seen in Times Square less than 24 hours before the Club World Cup final
Chelsea face PSG at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday at 8pm (BST)
Many Chelsea fans were shocked to see their star player out in public rather than resting before the final.
One said on Tiktok: ‘Can someone tell bro we’re in a final tomorrow, honestly??’
Another commented: ‘Bro let’s focus on the final we have a match on Sunday.’
A third wrote: ‘Cole mate you’ve got a final to win tomorrow lock in.’
Palmer has registered two goal contributions – a goal and an assist – and has played in five of Chelsea’s six Club World Cup games so far.
