Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has shared his heartbreak after Mason Mount chose to leave the 'club of his life' for Manchester United.
The Reds have agreed a £55m transfer fee with the London club after Mount expressed his intention to leave Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have included £5m worth of performance-related add-ons.
Mount has been pictured twice at Carrington over the last couple of days as some of the United squad returned for pre-season training. On Tuesday evening the 24-year-old confirmed to his 5.9m Instagram followers he would be departing the London club imminently, and his move was confirmed on Wednesday morning.
Want to join our MUFC Pro club for a totally ad-free version of the MEN’s Man United app packed with premium features? Click here
ALSO READ: Five midfielders United could add to Mount signing
In a video message, he told Chelsea supporters: "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 you that I've made the decision to leave Chelsea. I feel 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 last 18 years.
"I know some of you won't be happy with my decision but it's what's right for me in this moment 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 awards, Super Cup, Club World Cup and of course that unforgettable night when we won the Champions League.
"I want to say thank you to the academy, Jim and Neil for being so influential to me from such a young age, the managers I've worked under: Frank, Thomas and Graham. Backroom staff, they're the unsung heroes at Cobham, all of my teammates over the years that have become my brothers, my family for the continuous love and support and most importantly you guys for sticking with me throughout. I wish you all the best."
Sharing the video on his Instagram story, Drogba did not hide his disappointment at Mount's exit. He wrote: "Another Prince, Mason Mount, leaving the club of his life (heartbreak emoji). Thank you and all the best to you Champs #oneofourowncfc."
The former striker was not the only ex-Chelsea player to wish Mount well with John Terry sending three love heart emojis in the comments section of the midfielder's farewell video.
Follow the MEN's United coverage on TikTok and YouTube, and subscribe to the Manchester is Red podcast
