Palmer’s ‘really special’ grandfather’s island visit sparks tourism buzz in St Kitts

Cole Palmer could have gone anywhere around the world to celebrate his magnificent performance in leading Chelsea FC to FIFA Club World Cup glory against Paris Saint-Germain.

But rather than take a well-earned vacation to Las Vegas or an exotic Pacific destination, the Chelsea midfielder opted to visit the tiny Caribbean nation of St Kitts and Nevis, where his grandfather Sterry Palmer was born.

The England international, 23, was given a hero's welcome when he arrived in St Kitts and was greeted by a series of local dignitaries, including deputy prime minister Dr. Hon. Geoffrey Hanley and the minister of tourism Hon. Marsha T. Henderson.

Palmer's popularity in St Kitts and Nevis has spiked massively ever since he had the country's flag stitched into his boots alongside the England badge. It was a small gesture that has gone a long way.

"Landing in St. Kitts off the back of winning the Club World Cup felt really special," Palmer said. "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."

Following the huge publicity that Palmer's visit has attracted, local officials are looking to capitalize on the moment from a tourism perspective.

Meanwhile, Atiba Harris, the president of the St Kitts and Nevis FA, told FIFA that he hopes that the Chelsea star's exploits can help improve the Sugar Boyz' footballing future from providing inspiration to aspiring pros to increasing the global player pool.

FIFA: Just how big has Cole Palmer's visit to St Kitts been this week?

Atiba Harris (AH): One of the things we appreciate here in St. Kitts and Nevis is our people in the diaspora community, and to have someone like Cole Palmer come back to his roots... his grandfather was born here so to see that the lineage did not stop and now his grandson is coming back is a testament to strong family ties and values that we offer here. Having Cole Palmer here is a really big deal and is going to inspire the next generation as well.

Was his visit planned or was it something of a surprise?

The officials from St Kitts tourism would have reached out to the Football Association regarding the trip. I was supposed to be at the Club World Cup final, but had to stay behind so I couldn't get to see him play. But having him here is a pleasure.

What does it say about his ties to the country that he chose to come to St Kitts?

It shows the strong family values, and I must give credit to his grandfather as well to instill this. Usually when people migrate they tend to forget where they come from, but it is not the case here. Cole is here visiting the soil where it all started for his family.

To what extent did Palmer lead to a surge of Chelsea fans on the island?

There is a huge Chelsea following over here and there have been even more ever since he started wearing the flag on his boots. That drew a lot more younger fans closer to him. And you see his trademark (shivering cold) celebration a lot in local competitions.

What inspiration does Palmer provide to current professionals or aspiring stars that someone from their heritage has made it to the very top of the game?

It's going be an overall inspirational move. He is going to inspire not just the younger generation but the current crop of players who are playing both locally and overseas as well. We have guys like Marcus Rashford as well who I believe could inspire players from the diaspora to come to our national team.

Have there been any conversations with Palmer about doing something concrete with the country going forwards?

I think this is the initial step having tourism involved where he can probably promote the country as a whole. And I'm sure there have been talks with the government about finalizing something with him, along with others like Marcus Rashford.

Were there any conversations about trying to recruit Palmer to play for the national team before he decided to play for England?

He was on the radar. We have a long list of players who are eligible to represent the country. The reality is that England is the 'home' of football and if the English national team come calling for you at a young age then you are naturally going to gravitate to the land of your birth. I won't say it passed us by; I would say he took his opportunity just like others in the past, like Micah Richards to represent the land of their birth, but they never forgot where it started with their family heritage.