Mason Mount has sent a message to Chelsea fans ahead of his upcoming move to Manchester United.
The 24-year-old England international has been in Manchester for the past few days to complete his move to Erik ten Hag’s side.
United are yet to announce Mount’s first £55m move to Old Trafford but the midfielder recorded a farewell message to Chelsea fans.
Mount posted the news on his Instagram account Tuesday night.
He said: “Hello Chelsea fans. Given the speculation over the past six months, this shouldn’t 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 wanted to tell you directly how grateful I am for all of your support over the past 18 years. I know some of you will not be happy with my decision, but it is the right thing for me at this moment in my career.
“I joined Chelsea when I was six 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.
“I want to thank the Academy, Jim and Neil, for being such an influence on me from a young age. The managers I have worked under are Frank (Lampard), Thomas (Tuchel) and Graham (Potter).
“The backroom staff – the unsung heroes of Cobham, all my teammates who have become my brothers over the years, my family for their continued love and support, and most of all you, who have stood by my side throughout are.” I wish you all the best.”
Mount still had a year to complete his contract at Stamford Bridge but contract negotiations were cooling and Chelsea were keen to accommodate his wishes regarding a possible departure.
Coming from Chelsea academy, he has made 195 appearances for the club since his first-team debut in 2017, scoring 33 goals.
Mount spent two seasons on loan at Vitesse Arnhem and Derby County between 2017 and 2019 before establishing himself as a regular in Frank Lampard’s first spell at Chelsea.
With the club, he won the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League under Thomas Tuchel before lifting the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in the same year.
GO DEEPER
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(Photo: Getty Images)