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Palmer arrives in St Kitts to hero’s welcome after Club World Cup

  /  autty

COLE PALMER was given a hero's welcome as he visited his granddad's Caribbean birthplace following Chelsea's Club World Cup success.

The midfielder was the star of the show in New York as he dismantled Paris Saint-Germain with two goals and an assist in Sunday's final.

Palmer, 23, then quickly jetted off for a well-earned break with the new Premier League season starting in just a month.

The England international is making the most of his brief time off before returning to London for pre-season.

And he kicked his holidays off with a trip to St. Kitts in the Caribbean, with the island holding a special place in his heart.

The exotic holiday destination was the birthplace of Palmer's grandfather, Sterry Palmer.

Palmer's love of the island is well-known as he wears the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis on his boots alongside the English one.

It is the first time that Chelsea's No.10 has visited the island and he was given a rousing reception.

Palmer was greeted by the deputy prime minister Dr. Hon. Geoffrey Hanley and the minister of tourism Hon. Marsha T. Henderson.

A troupe of traditional Masquerade performers were also on hand to give the star an authentic Kittitian welcome.

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Palmer revealed how excited he is to see the island and experience its culture.

After touching down, he said: "Landing in St. Kitts off the back of winning the Club World Cup felt really special.

"It’s where my grandad’s love for football started. The island’s beautiful and really chilled.

"I can’t wait to explore the mountains, rainforest and sea - and to try out the food."

Palmer's recent achievements were even hailed by the prime minister Dr. Terrance Drew.

He insisted that Palmer can help inspire youngsters in St. Kitts and Nevis to success of their own.

He said: "Cole Palmer’s visit to St. Kitts and Nevis is a powerful reminder of the strength and pride of our diaspora.

"His presence and mentorship will inspire the next generation to believe that global success is possible, no matter where you come from.

"We are proud to welcome him home and deeply grateful for his commitment to our young people and to the development of sports in our Federation."

The trip follows on from Palmer's excellent performances at the Club World Cup in the US.

The midfielder engrossed himself in the American lifestyle and even scootered incognito through Times Square before the PSG clash.

Not even Donald Trump could steal Palmer's limelight in the final - although the American President did try as he joined confused Blues stars on the podium for their trophy lift.

Palmer's dad, Jermaine, previously spoke about the prospect of him visiting St. Kitts and Nevis and joked that he would need a police escort.

Palmer and co will start their Premier League campaign with FOUR London derbies in a row.

Enzo Maresca's side first face Crystal Palace before clashes against West Ham, Fulham and Brentford.

Related: ChelseaCole Palmer