Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer says he's ready for the weekend's return to former club Manchester City.

Palmer will be back at the Etihad for the first time since leaving for Chelsea in August.

"It will be a tough game but I'm looking forward to going back to the Etihad," he told Chelsea's website. "It will be strange, a weird feeling, but I'm looking forward to it and the team's looking forward to it.

"I'm very excited to be honest, even though it will be strange. Obviously I played against them at Stamford Bridge, but I think going back to the Etihad will be even stranger. But I'm really looking forward to it.

"I have been surprised by how well it's gone here so quickly, but I always back myself to succeed.

"When I made the decision to come down here with my family it was a really tough decision to leave, but I felt like I was ready to play week in, week out and showcase my ability. So thank you to the club and everyone who has supported me.

"It's down to the manager giving me the freedom, the club giving me the opportunity and the lads, who have been great with me since I came in. I've settled fast so I'm enjoying it here.

"The manager helps us all every day. Little conversations telling us what to do,' he added. 'He supports us massively so credit to the manager for getting us together.

"He's been amazing from my first day. From when I first came in he put his arm around me and gave me the freedom and the confidence to go out there and play well.

"We have meetings and he believes in us and we believe in ourselves. Everyone's going to talk when you're not doing well, but we just need to try and block it out and focus on ourselves."