Cole Palmer arrives to hero's welcome in St. Kitts as Chelsea star celebrates Club World Cup brilliance | OneFootball

Chelsea star made first visit to the Caribbean island to celebrate Club World Cup win with family

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Cole Palmer arrived to a hero’s welcome in St. Kitts on Monday as he celebrated Chelsea's Club World Cup final win over Paris Saint-Germain.

With no trophy parade planned through the streets of west London, the England international's holiday have finally begun following a long, hard, and ultimately successful, season.

Making the most of the break, Palmer has made his first-ever visit to St. Kitts. The Caribbean island holds a special place in Palmer’s heart, as the birthplace of his grandfather, Sterry Palmer.

Palmer proudly wears the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis – alongside the England flag – on his football boots to honour his family's roots.

Cole Palmer’s personalised boots that proudly feature the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis

Getty Images

The gesture has delighted Kittitians, who have taken Palmer into their hearts, with his ‘cold’ goal celebration copied by schoolchildren across the island.

The Deputy Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Hon. Geoffrey Hanley, and the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Marsha T. Henderson, were on hand to greet the football star on arrival at the airport and, alongside a troupe of traditional Masquerade performers, Palmer and his family were given an authentic Kittitian welcome.

Hon. Marsha T. Henderson, said: “It’s an honour to welcome Cole Palmer and his family to St. Kitts. The Palmers already have a special connection to the island and that will only grow as they spend time exploring our lush rainforests, picturesque mountains and stunning waters, and savouring our rich culture and cuisine.

“After Cole’s heroic performance at the FIFA Club World Cup, St. Kitts is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing break and reconnect with family - vibrant yet uncrowded, with a vibe that is a mix of adventure and zen.

St. Kitts is the birthplace of Cole Palmer’s grandfather

Daryl Grant

“We hope this will be the first of many visits for him.”

Meanwhile, The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, 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.”

Big influence: Cole Palmer’s ‘cold’ goal celebration has been copied by schoolchildren across the island

Daryl Grant

The trip, which marks the first time the 23-year-old has visited St. Kitts, is an opportunity for Palmer to explore the lush and enchanting island with his father and grandfather, in a special moment for the family.

Palmer 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!”