Ben Chilwell has sent Mason Mount a touching message following his departure from Chelsea. The 24-year-old midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford ahead of the summer transfer window and now Manchester United have finally managed to secure his signature.
football.london understands that the Blues were once close to reaching an agreement with Mount over a new contract 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 Mount was not given an improved proposal since then, leaving the door open for Erik ten Hag's side to wrap up a deal. football.london understands that the Red Devils are set to pay the Blues £55 million up-front, with £5m in add-ons up for grabs at a later date.
"It’s never easy leaving the club where you grew up, but Manchester United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career," said Mount. "Having competed against them, I know just how strong a squad it is that I’m joining, and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s drive to win major trophies.
"Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag. Having met with the manager and discussed his plans, I couldn’t be more excited for the seasons ahead, and am ready for the hard work expected here.
"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."
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While Mount has received a hostile and fairly toxic reaction from a large majority of Chelsea supporters, Reece James and Luke Shaw have composed some heartwarming messages to congratulate him on his next venture. Now, Chilwell has chipped in and insisted that it's a 'sad day' for the west London outfit.
In the left-back's social media post, he also revealed that Mount was a major reason he decided to join the club from Leicester City in 2020 which is quite the wakeup call. On Instagram, Chilwell wrote: "A sad day for us all at Chels, this guy was a big reason i wanted to join the club and im so glad i did.
"We have had the best memories together and im so glad we got to share the pitch together. I wish you the best of luck in your next chapter. Love you brother."
