Cole Palmer was angry after Manchester City turned down a loan offer from Brighton for him back in the summer, reports say.
And his decision to leave the Etihad Stadium for Chelsea has already been vindicated, with the winger called up by England boss Gareth Southgate for upcoming matches against Malta and North Macedonia.
Chelsea spent a huge £42.5million to sign the forward back in the summer, in a decision that raised eyebrows at the time.
With the youngster already netting four Premier League goals this season, however, nobody is questioning that logic now.
Cole Palmer is expected to make his England debut after being called up by Gareth Southgate
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Palmer is in the spotlight right now after shining for Chelsea against City on Sunday.
He netted a late penalty in a stirring 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge, earning his side a point in the process.
And The Independent have now delved into Palmer's move to west London and how the transfer came about.
It's claimed Palmer wanted to leave City in the summer and was unhappy after seeing a loan approach from Brighton rebuffed.
He feared for his chances of regular first-team football in Manchester, especially with Pep Guardiola opting to bring in Jeremy Doku.
City were surprised by Palmer's determination to leave, having previously assured him he'd get the minutes he craves.
The 21-year-old was also 'dissatisfied' over his lack of game time last season.
He was angry at being reduced to late substitution appearances and was restricted to just two league starts.
One of those came in a match against Brentford, when the Premier League title has already been won.
And Palmer has already spent more time on the pitch at Chelsea than he ever did during his spell at City.
City's loss seems to be Chelsea's gain, however.
The forward is benefitting from the freedom he's been afforded by Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Pochettino, per the publication, 'absolutely adores' Palmer and feels he can become a 'complete forward' in the coming years ahead.
Now, the onus will be on the winger to continue to shine.
A first England appearance is now in sight, with Palmer expected to play some part in their final two Euro 2024 qualifying fixtures.
And whether he can seize the opportunity and make his mark on the international stage remains to be seen.
Speaking after his goal against City on Sunday, Palmer admitted he found it odd facing his old side.
"Very strange the first time I have played against City," he stated.
"I have the utmost respect for the club I spent 15 years at and it is nice to see some friends.
"[We were] unlucky to not get the win. I have many City fans I know but it is the game."
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Cole Palmer was on target as Chelsea drew 4-4 with Man City in Sunday's enthralling Premier League clash
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On his penalty, he added: "[I was a ] long time waiting but I felt confident and I have had a few now. Kept calm and focused.
"I'm not going to say I work on them because I don't, I trust on my natural ability.
"It was amazing I was excited before the game to show what I can do and we went behind a few times and bounced back."
