Chelsea star Cole Palmer and new girlfriend party with Usain Bolt ahead of Leicester trip

Cole Palmer made an appearance with his influencer girlfriend Connie Grace at the star-studded GQ Men of the Year Awards (MOTY) in London. Stepping out for a glamorous night at Kensington Roof Gardens, the couple, who weren't shy about showcasing their relationship, shared the spotlight with sporting greats like Olympic icon Usain Bolt - who recently attended a WSL match at Stamford Bridge.

The 22-year-old Chelsea prodigy was supported by his parents Jermaine and Janet, who joined him for the celebratory event. It was an honour-filled evening for Palmer, who found himself among illustrious company, with notable figures Kit Harington, Central Cee, Steve McQueen and Adam Peaty among the awardees.

The Men of the Year awards iare hailed as an 'opportunity to celebrate those who are breaking the rules, changing the game, and taking their slice of the culture to another level'. Donning a sleek suit and bowtie, Palmer struck poses for the cameras alongside Grace, who he's reportedly been dating for three months.

Hailing from Manchester, just like Palmer, Grace enjoys a significant online presence with over 16,000 followers on Instagram, where she's known for her work as a nail technician. Since his transfer to Chelsea in September 2023, Palmer has experienced a remarkable ascent.

A product of Manchester City's youth system, he's quickly made his mark at Stamford Bridge, earning the PFA Young Player of the Year accolade while also taking runner-up spots in league goal and assist tallies. "I just knew I wasn't going to play as much as I wanted to," Palmer told GQ.

"Even when I was going to England [camps] with younger age groups, you had players there who were playing in the league every week. And you're looking around thinking, I can play in the league."

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His England team-mate, Kobbie Mainoo, offered a straightforward evaluation of Palmer's abilities. "It's been crazy in his first full season for the club to be up there in goals and assists and goal involvements," the Manchester United star said. "It's massive."

In just 14 months, Palmer has scored 32 goals from midfield in 58 Chelsea games. He ended last season with 22 goals in the league, second only to Erling Haaland, and has started the current campaign in similarly-devastating fashion, with seven goals in 11 matches so far.

He is set to return to Premier League action with Chelsea this weekend as the team travel to Leicester City. Chelsea's manager, Enzo Maresca, will make his first visit to the King Power Stadium since leaving the club in the summer, and he will be hoping to have Palmer available for selection.

The goal-scoring sensation had to withdraw from England's Nations League matches against Greece and Ireland, along with fellow Chelsea player Levi Colwill. Meanwhile, Blues ace Noni Madueke remained with the team for their victories and also attended the Men's and Women's Player of the Year awards.

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