COLE PALMER has revealed the direct message he sent one of his idols back in 2015.
The 22-year-old has now followed in their footsteps nine years on.
Palmer was named the Premier League Player of the Month on Friday after scoring seven goals in four matches.
His first strike in the 6-0 win over Everton also landed the Chelsea midfielder the Goal of the Month award.
He emulated Blues legend Eden Hazard by winning the monthly honour.
The Belgian was named Player of the Month in both October 2016 and September 2018.
Palmer has now revealed he sent a message to Hazard back in March 2015.
He posted snaps of both players holding their awards to his Instagram story along with a screenshot of the message.
The screenshot showed a picture of Palmer wearing the number 10 shirt for Manchester City’s academy.
His message read: “You’re the best player in the world,” along with love heart and football emojis.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Palmer, who had only been 13 when he sent the message, wrote alongside the screenshot: “When you message one of your idols in 2015 & follow the footsteps. @hazardeden_10.”
Hazard spent seven years with Chelsea between 2012 and 2019, scoring 110 goals in 352 appearances.
He also won six major trophies, including two Premier League titles.
Palmer’s four-goal haul against Everton followed a hat-trick in a win over Manchester United earlier in April.
His recent form has taken his league tally for the season to 21 along with nine assists in 30 appearances for Chelsea.
The former City starlet has been rewarded with nominations for both the Premier League Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season awards.
