Football Transfers: Mason Mount Bids Chelsea Farewell Before Moving to Manchester United

Mason Mount said an emotional goodbye to Chelsea supporters on Tuesday as the England international nears a transfer to Manchester United, looking directly into the camera.

Mount, a product of Chelsea’s illustrious academy, worked for the club in London for 18 years.

He will soon sign a five-year contract and move to Premier League rival United in a deal for 55 million pounds ($69 million).

The statement was delivered in a video message that was uploaded to Instagram. “Given the speculation over the last six months this may not come as a surprise to you, but it doesn’t make it any easier to tell that I’ve made the decision to leave Chelsea,” he said. I understand that some of you won’t agree with my choice, but it’s what I need to do for my job right now.

Fans deserved more than “just a written statement,” said Mount, who had bleached blonde hair and a tan from a recent vacation, adding that “we’ve been through a lot together.”

He continued, “I wanted to say how appreciative I’ve been for all of your support over the past 18 years.

The midfielder joined Chelsea at the age of 6, and after progressing through the ranks to play a significant role in the team’s Champions League victory in 2021, he won over the fans.

He appeared in 195 games and scored 33 goals. He won the first team player of the year title in 2021 and 2022 after being voted the club’s academy player of the year in 2017.

The 24-year-old Mount made a name for himself playing regularly for England when he was at Chelsea.

With manager Erik ten Hag making him a top priority in front of the team’s return to the Champions League next season, he is now prepared to start the next chapter of his career at United.

United will have the option to extend Mount’s contract by another 12 months.

In the event that he meets certain objectives, United will also be required to pay Chelsea an additional 5 million pounds ($6.3 million).