A former Premier League and Chelsea star has defended Donald Trump’s viral trophy presentation antics at the Club World Cup.
The Blues became champions of the world in the inaugural Club World Cup this summer, beating European champions Paris Saint-Germain comprehensively 3-0 in the final, but their trophy lift was overshadowed by the presence of President Trump.
The President was there to oversee the final, including the controversial Half-Time Show that saw A-list performers such as Coldplay and Doja Cat.
Trump was then at the centre of the presentation, handing Robert Sanchez his golden glove trophy and the winners’ medals to the Chelsea squad.
Reuters | Cole Palmer appeared bemused as Donald Trump remained for the trophy liftHe was also responsible for passing the trophy to captain Reece James, but the usual protocol would be for Trump to vacate the stage immediately to allow Chelsea their moment of glory.
Instead, he chose to stay for the celebrations, much to the bemusement of the Chelsea players, and Cole Palmer in particular.
Palmer could be seen questioning, “What’s he doing?” and asking James to halt the trophy lift until Trump left the stage.
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Reuters | President Trump presented Cole Palmer the golden ball trophy for the best player in the tournament
The English star had already received the golden ball for the best player in the tournament from the President after his stellar final performance, and former Premier League star Terry Phelan believes he is England’s shining light at the moment.
Speaking to Best Bingo Sites, when asked if he feels Palmer is England’s best player, the former Chelsea man said: “Yes, he is! He has shown on the big stage that he can deliver.
“A Euro final goal, an outstanding performance in the Conference League final and an even better performance in the Club World Cup Final.
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“So, currently, he is the best England player and has to be in the starting XI all the time. He must be played to his strengths as he gives a lot for the team, and creatively, he can turn it on when he wants.”
Despite Palmer’s bewilderment and FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s efforts to escort Trump off the stage, he insisted on staying put.
He was even seen pocketing a winner’s medal himself as some sort of a souvenir from the occasion.
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Getty | Chelsea beat PSG 3-0 in the final to lift the Club World Cup earlier this month
Phelan, who made 143 Premier League appearances, defended the President’s actions.
“You have to smile,” he continued. “Donald does what he wants to do, and he wanted to stay and enjoy the trophy celebrations.
“Good on him, and it was a cool sight to see the celebrations of the trophy lift. I don't mind it at all.”
He added: “Chelsea were professional from the minute they went over to America for the Club World Cup, and it paid dividends.
“They will be chomping at the bit to get started for the Premier League, but with all the sports science expertise at the club, they need to manage the players over the next month.
“Defensively, Chelsea can still do with some support, but elsewhere they have a good enough squad to compete with the best this season.
“Can they win it? They can certainly challenge for the title. Why not! The squad is deep enough to cover any injuries, as the quality will be good enough. But, they may fall short given Liverpool, City, and Arsenal are still that little bit ahead.”
Chelsea are said to be continuing to bolster their squad, as talks are currently advancing for former PSG star Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, while they remaiin the market for further defensive or goalkeeper additions.