Cole Palmer receives hero's welcome in grandfather's birthplace St Kitts
The midfielder, born and raised in Wythenshawe, Manchester, is also proud of his Caribbean heritage, wearing the flag of St Kitts and Nevis – alongside the England flag – on his football boots to honour his family's roots.
The gesture has delighted Kittitians, who have taken Palmer into their hearts, with his 'cold' goal celebration copied by schoolchildren across the island, which has a population of just 47,600.
He was met by the deputy prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Geoffrey Hanley, and tourism minister Marsha T Henderson, on arrival at the airport on Monday night and, alongside a troupe of traditional Masquerade performers, Palmer and his family were given an authentic Kittitian welcome.
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.'
St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister 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.'
Ms 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.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal's pre-season plan ruined on day one of Singapore tour
Arsenal have suffered a setback in their pre-season after they were unable to train on the first day of their tour of Asia. The Gunners began their preparations for the new season with an optional training camp in Marbella before jetting to Singapore to formally start pre-season. Arsenal are set to play AC Milan and Newcastle at the National Stadium on July 23 and 27 respectively, before travelling to Hong Kong for the first north London derby match held outside the UK when they face rivals Tottenham at Kai Tak Stadium on July 31. Mikel Arteta named a 30-player travelling squad which included new signings Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard and when asked about Arsenal's pre-season preparations after arriving in Singapore, the Gunners boss said: "A very good period in Spain. "Trained really hard with the new signings. Super exited to be here. An incredible welcome from our supporters here, they are so passionate. And adapting to the context, the weather we were unable to train today. We have to adapt to those situations too and very excited to have a successful tour." Arteta also addressed Arsenal's transfer business, with Noni Madueke not joining the squad in Asia after featuring for Chelsea at the Club World Cup and deals for striker Viktor Gyokeres and defender Cristhian Mosquera yet to be finalised. When asked about the new signings, Arteta added: "It's like shaking the tree again. Bringing new faces, they bring new excitement, new energy as well. We signed very important players as well. I think everybody feels that the heights have to go to different level and it's what we are seeking. "It was a long process [signing Zubimendi] and he had a lot of opportunities to decide about whether he wanted to come. The good news is that this club is amazing and everyone wants to come to it. He left some very good opportunities to come to us. "We are all very impressed about what we have seen over the last 7-10 days. Because once you have the player daily and you see his character, his personality, his character and how much he is going to bring to the team. Very excited about it. "There's still a long time in the window and we are seeking still, in terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market. Until that happens, focus on the players we have and focus on them and I'm very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days. "I'm very pleased, that's all I'll say. There are a lot of parties and things that we have to bear in mind to get a player over the line and here. I'm very hopeful that we are going to do it very soon." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Mikel Arteta drops huge hint Arsenal WILL sign Viktor Gyokeres as transfer saga rumbles on
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MIKEL ARTETA says Arsenal are still 'short' of depth and quality and will continue to spend big in the transfer window. And the Gunners boss has hinted that they could welcome more new signings on their pre-season tour of Singapore with a £63.5million deal for Viktor Gyokeres edging closer. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Viktor Gyokeres hasn't signed in time for the start of Arsenal's pre-season tour in Asia Credit: Getty 5 But Mikel Arteta has hinted a deal is close Credit: AFP 5 He will be Arsenal's fifth signing of the summer, with the latest being Noni Madueke from Chelsea Credit: Getty Arsenal have bought four players so far this summer – splashing out over £120m on the likes of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke. Three of those four are currently in Asia with Madueke needing some rest from his Club World Cup participation, having completed his £52m move from Chelsea last Friday. Arteta is keen to transform his squad even further – on the brink of finally landing an elite No.9 in Sporting Lisbon's Gyokeres with negotiations over add-ons at the final stages, while Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera is also in talks over a £16.5m switch and Crystal Palace's £60m-rated Eberechi Eze remains a target. Gyokeres is adamant he will never play for Sporting again, currently staying away from training, and has his heart set on playing for Arteta. Read more Arsenal 'VERY CLEAR' Arteta says Arsenal followed right processes with Partey amid rape charge There had been hope that the Gyokeres transfer would be completed in time for him to play some part of Arsenal's pre-season opener against AC Milan in Singapore on Wednesday. And asked about the Swede, Arteta said: 'I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet. When we have something concrete to offer, we will do that.' Pressed on if new faces will be flying out to join up with the squad soon, he continued: 'There are a lot of parties and things that we have to bear in mind to get a player over the line and here. I'm very hopeful that we are going to do it very soon. 'There's still a long time in the window and we are seeking still, in terms of numbers. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 5 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW 'We are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market. 'Ideally you want it from day one in pre-season. We have done very well so far, I'm very pleased with how the club has supported the improvements that we required in the team. Why Mikel Arteta must deliver best team in London a trophy | Arsenal Exposed '[Sporting director] Andrea [Berta] and the team have done an excellent job trying to push everything forward. You see the club ownership and the ambition we have, the alignment we have. There is excitement about the new season. 'There's a long time to go in the window but we still have hopes we can improve the team and we will continue to try and do that. 'Until that happens, focus on the players we have and focus on them.'
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Arsenal forced to SCRAP first training session of pre-season tour as thunderstorms wreak havoc
Arteta hints at new signing below DOWN PORE Arsenal forced to SCRAP first training session of pre-season tour as thunderstorms wreak havoc Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARSENAL were forced to reschedule the first training session of their pre-season tour of Singapore due to THUNDERSTORMS. The Gunners landed in Singapore on Sunday afternoon ahead of clashes against AC Milan and Newcastle this week before flying out to Hong Kong to take on Tottenham. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Arsenal have been forced to scrap the first pre-season tour training session Credit: The Sun 5 Thunderstorms have wrecked havoc over Arsenal's plans in Singapore Credit: The Sun 5 Mikel Arteta held the Gunners first press conference after arriving in Asia over the weekend Credit: Getty Boss Arteta had hoped to get straight to work on Monday morning before holding a press conference to preview the Milan game. But a huge downpour – which included thunder and lightning – scuppered those plans, with training instead moved to the afternoon ahead of the club's launch of their away kit later today. Arteta explained in his presser: 'With the weather we were unable to train today. 'We have to adapt to those situations. We are very excited to have a successful tour.' READ MORE ON ARSENAL 'VERY CLEAR' Arteta says Arsenal followed right processes with Partey amid rape charge The Gunners will hope to not have any more disruptions as Arteta attempts to bed in his new signings Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga on this trip, with another new-boy Noni Madueke back in London resting from the Club World Cup. Reports have suggested that Manchester United are preparing a last-gasp hijacking of Arsenal's £63.5million deal for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres. But the Gunners are quietly confident that the club have their new No9, with Gyokeres pushing for a move to the Emirates and the negotiations over add-ons in the final stages. Arteta is keen to transform his squad even further, with Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera making a £16.5m switch from Valencia, while Crystal Palace's £60m-rated Eberechi Eze remains a target. 5 Arteta posed for club snaps after arriving at Stansted Airport on Saturday Credit: Getty Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates There had been hope that the Gyokeres transfer would be completed in time for him to play some part of Arsenal's pre-season opener against AC Milan on Wednesday. And asked about the Swede, Arteta said: 'I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet. When we have something concrete to offer, we will do that.' Noni Madueke joins Arsenal in £52million transfer from Chelsea as Arteta's spending spree set to reach almost £200m If the club get a deal for Gyokeres over the line, the striker would likely have to wait until August 6 when the Gunners host Villarreal in their first pre-season game back from Asia. After that, Arteta's side conclude their summer preparations against Athletic Club, before ironically kicking off the Premier League season away at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Gunners defender Gabriel reckons the club will hit 'new heights' this season following another agonising year as the Prem's nearly men. And Arteta insists he is '100 per cent' confident that Arsenal followed the correct processes regarding the club's handling of Thomas Partey. Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police Service on July 4 – four days after his Gunners contract expired.
