PERFECT 10

Blues star Palmer proud to be wearing iconic shirt number

-  JOHN CROSS

COLE PALMER grew up idolising Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney and Eden Hazard.

Now he wants to raise his own game after fulfilling his boyhood ambition of getting the No.10 shirt with Chelsea.

Palmer, who has worn 20 since arriving at Stamford Bridge two years ago, has yet to ask Mykhailo Mudryk about taking his squad number as the Ukraine winger is facing a four-year ban after failing a drugs test.

But Palmer could not hide his delight at being the main man.

"I wore No.10 all my life growing up and I just like the number, so yes... it's just an iconic number," said Palmer.

"Messi (circle), the big one, Rooney and players like that. I have seen Eden Hazard a few times at the training ground. He asked me for one of my shirts for his sons, so yes. To see him was nice, we had a conversation.