Chelsea have hailed Mason Mount as the "consummate professional" after his exit to Manchester United was confirmed.
The midfielder, who came through the club's academy, has been expected to leave for several weeks with the Red Devils pushing for his signature. Mount's contract at Stamford Bridge was winding down and no progress had been made on an extension, effectively forcing the Blues' hand.
United have landed Mount in a £60m deal and he will aid Erik ten Hag's ambitions next term, potentially at the expense of Chelsea. Nevertheless the west Londoners have paid tribute to the 24-year-old, who ended up making 195 appearances in Blue.
Chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano said on the club's website: "Mason is a consummate professional and a popular figure at the club. We want to thank him for all his efforts on and off the pitch throughout his time at Chelsea."
In 2021 Mount was voted Player of the Season by the Chelsea supporters, winning in again a year later to underline his popularity and respect among the fan base. He is among the most successful academy graduates in recent years, winning the Champions League with the club.
He posted a video on social media, shortly before his move was officially announced, outlining the reasons for his move to Manchester. Mount began: "Hi Chelsea fans, 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 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've been 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 at 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, the Super Cup, the Club World Cup, and of course that unforgettable night when we won the Champions League."
Mount will now bolster a midfield that already includes the likes of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes as United prepare for a return to the Champions League. The England international said: “I am hugely ambitious; I know how amazing it feels to win major trophies and what it takes to do it. I will be giving everything to experience that again at Manchester United.”
