Mason Mount said an emotional goodbye to Chelsea fans on Tuesday ahead of the England international’s move to Manchester United.
A graduate of Chelsea’s famous academy, Mount spent 18 years with the London club.
Now he is looking to sign a five-year deal with Premier League rivals United on a £55 million ($69 million) deal.
“This may not come as a surprise to you given the speculation over the past six months, but it doesn’t make it any easier for me to tell you that I’ve decided to leave Chelsea,” he said in a video message posted on Instagram. “I know some of you won’t be happy with my decision, but that’s what’s right for me at this moment in my career.”
Blonde bleached hair and tanned Mount, who recently came out of vacation, said fans were “worth more than just a written statement,” adding: “We’ve been through a lot together.”
“I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate all your support over the past 18 years,” he said.
The midfielder joined Chelsea at the age of six and became a fan favourite after climbing the rankings to become a key player in the club’s Champions League victory in 2021.
He has scored 33 goals in 195 appearances. Named the club’s academy player of the year in 2017, he won first – team player of the year awards in 2021 and 2022.
During his time at Chelsea, the 24-year-old Mount also established himself as a starting player for England. 토토사이트먹튀
Now he is set to start the next chapter of his career at United, with manager Eric Ten Haag making him a key target ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League next season.
Mount’s contract at United has a 12-month option.
United also have to pay Chelsea an extra £5m ($6.3m) based on his achievement of certain goals.