Mason Mount has said an emotional farewell to Chelsea fans as he prepares to join Manchester United.
Mount spent 18 years at Chelsea after first joining the club as a youth player, but is now heading to Old Trafford on a £60 million move after undergoing his medical at Carrington this week.
Given his strong connection to Stamford Bridge, the 24-year-old felt the need to address Blues fans directly in a personal video message.
In the farewell post, Mount reflected on some of the highlights of his time at Chelsea as both a senior and academy player, including their 2021 Champions League triumph, before admitting his departure is timely at this stage of his career.
Mount signs a five-year contract with United that will see him earn £250,000 a week, with an option for a further year. The deal will be structured as an initial £55 million plus £5 million in performance-related add-ons.
Mason Mount has said an emotional goodbye to Chelsea fans as he prepares to leave the club and seal a £60 million move to Manchester United
England star Mount reflected on Chelsea’s Champions League triumph in Portugal in 2021
Speaking to Blues fans, the midfielder admitted that his departure is the right decision for his career
On Instagram, Mount said: ‘Hello Chelsea fans, given the speculation over the past six months, this may not come as a surprise to you. But it doesn’t make it any easier to tell you that I’ve made the decision to leave Chelsea.
“I think you deserve more than just a written statement, so I just wanted to tell you right away how grateful I have been for all your support over the past 18 years.
“I know some of you won’t be happy with my decision, but it’s what’s right for me at this point in my career.
“I joined Chelsea when I was six years old and we’ve been through a lot together: winning the Youth Cup, my player of the year award, the Super Cup, the Club World Cup and of course that unforgettable night when we won. the Champions League.’
Mount took the opportunity to thank several individuals for their help throughout his journey at Chelsea, including former managers Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter and academy bosses Jim Fraser and Neil Bath.
He added: ‘I want to thank the academy Jim and Neil for being an influence from such a young age. The managers I worked under, Frank, Thomas and Graham.
“The staff in the back room, the unsung heroes of Cobham, all my teammates who have become my brothers over the years, my family for the continued love and support and most of all you guys for sticking with me all the way through. I wish you all the best’.
The 24-year-old thanked several managers he has played under, including Frank Lampard (left)
Mount thanked the Chelsea supporters for standing by him throughout his time at the club
United had turned down four bids for Mount, but were eventually able to agree a fee.
The player was photographed in Manchester on Tuesday morning as he prepared to head back to United’s training ground in Carrington to take his reveal photos.
He was surrounded by several members of his entourage and some guards before finalizing his transfer.
Mount Chelsea’s departure comes after he entered the final year of his contract this month. There were a series of difficult negotiations between the academy graduate and the club chiefs, but in the end he could not agree on a new deal.
Mail Sport previously reported how a breach of contract between Mount and Chelsea had cast doubt on his future due to a significant gap in negotiations.
He will arrive at the perfect time for Erik Ten Hag and co, who will begin their pre-season training in earnest next week with a friendly against rivals Leeds.
Other memorable Blues moments included winning the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup
As such, Mount could make his debut for United in that pre-season friendly, although he will be some distance away from the Theater of Dreams as the match is in fact taking place in Oslo, Norway.
Mount also enjoyed success with Chelsea at youth level, as he won the Under-18 Premier League, two FA Youth Cups and the UEFA Youth League. After that he was on a rental basis at Vitesse and Derby.
As a member of the first team, he won the Champions League, the Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
In total, Mount made 195 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 33 goals, while providing 37 assists.