Mason Mount has confirmed his transfer to Manchester United from Chelsea with a heartwarming video on social media. The 24-year-old midfielder faced an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge, with just 12-months remaining his on contract.
The Blues were once close to reaching an agreement with Mount over a new deal, football.london understands, but, following his return from the World Cup in December, an offer was no longer on the table. Then, in the new year, Chelsea reopened talks with the England international, though he didn't want to sign a one-year extension.
It's believed that Mount never received an improved proposal since, essentially leaving the door open for an exit this summer. Nevertheless, football.london understands that the Blues and the Red Devils have an agreement in place worth around £60million for Mount.
It's believed that United will pay Chelsea £55m, plus a further £5m in add-ons. After completing a medical at Carrington training ground and tying up any loose ends, Mount recorded a video message for the Blues fanbase.
"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 have made the decision to leave Chelsea," said the Cobham graduate. "I thought you deserved more than just a written statement, so I wanted to tell you directly how grateful I have 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 is right for me at this moment in my career. I joined Chelsea when I was six-years-old and we have 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 the unforgettable night when we won the Champions League... wish you all the best."
Mount featured 195 times for Chelsea, scoring 33 goals and recording 37 assists. After earning his stripes in the academy, the midfielder proceeded to play a major role in one of the most successful periods in the the club's history.
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In May, Frank Lampard forecasted the midfielder's departure. Speaking to Sky Sports, the former Blues caretaker manager said: "I think that’s a difficult situation because from working with Mason - and not just Mason, other players when I was here before - they have either gone on to be really important players for the club that have a real relationship with the fans because they really feel the club, having been in the academy since eight years of age, and some of them have gone on to other clubs and the club have done well out of that and you wish them well in their careers.
"I think with Mason particularly as an individual, I don’t know what the solution is going to be because it’s the club and Mason’s issue. I don’t know where exactly Mason is at personally, he’s got a year left on his contract.
"I know he’s held in high regard at the club and I know the club are trying to do what they can to make him stay, but I also think that Mason, I’d never want to stand here in the modern day and talk about what a player should do because they’ll see it all from their own eyes.
"I think in the old days it would be why are you leaving the club? In the modern day it’s you should move on, and we’ve got into this situation that is happening now."
