COLE PALMER pretends to be stupid but he is actually “very clever”, according to Micah Richards.
The Chelsea star has built a reputation for his occasional silly answers in interviews.
His carefree attitude has helped endear himself to fans but Richards believes it is all an act, and Gary Lineker agrees.
The pair discussed Palmer on The Rest is Football podcast after finding his interaction with incoming Chelsea star Estevao amusing.
Palmer revealed he told the Palmeiras player that he was looking forward to welcoming him to Stamford Bridge, before acknowledging the fact the Brazilian probably did not understand what he was saying.
Lineker said of the England international: “There’s something about Cole Palmer.
“You used to think ‘oh maybe he is a bit dim’ but he is actually not. He’s clever.
“He comes across very likeable. He is so matter-of-fact in his answers that he actually speaks as he thinks.
Richards agreed with his colleague, adding: “Very clever. He knows what he is doing. He is very witty.
“He’s like Grealish. They pretend they are stupid but they are really not.
“They know exactly what they are doing. Cole Palmer is exactly the same.”
Just last week Palmer, 23, left fans speechless after starring in a new advert for Nike.
Winger Estevao and Palmer are tipped to be the faces of Chelsea’s future and the pair shared a brief embrace after the game with cameras catching the moment Palmer tried to strike up a conversation.
Despite the language barrier the light-hearted moment highlights the warm welcome Chelsea’s current stars are ready to offer the Brazilian wonderkid when he arrives for pre-season.
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