Chelsea star Reece James has sent a touching farewell message to Mason Mount on social media, claiming he'll "always be a blue at heart". It comes as the 24-year-old makes the huge switch to Manchester United in the transfer window for a deal worth up to £60million.
The move ends an 18-year association with Mount and the Blues, having joined the side at six-years-old and working his way through the academy to the first-team. With two Player of the Year awards and a Champions League under his belt, not many saw things ending the way it has.
After an injury-hit season, the England international was nearing the final 12-months of his contract, with an extension looking unlikely after talks were put on hold. That meant a move away was edging closer, with several bids from United turned down until an agreement was reached on a deal worth up to £60million.
Speaking upon his arrival for the Red Devils, Mount said: “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. 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.”
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Done deal, Mason Mount to Man Utd, Caicedo bid, Santos loan
Plenty of farewell messages have poured in from former teammates, with one particularly heartfelt post from Reece James in particular. The fellow England international posted a picture of the pair when they were younger in the academy onto Instagram, which included Declan Rice amongst a host of other youngsters that have been and gone in their Chelsea journey.
The caption reads: "Ma brother man. Where do I start. I’ve know you since 6 years old, we grew together and took similar paths in breaking into the first team. Something that seemed virtually impossible. I’m proud to say I done it along side you. I’ve seen you as a little boy and watched you grow into the man and player you are today, you’ve done yourself and your family proud.
"We’ve had some of the best days of our career together that’ll stick with me forever. It’s sad to say goodbye. I wish you nothing but happiness, good health and the best of luck on your new adventure! You’ll always be blue at heart!"
With their paths set to diverge for the first time in nearly two decades, it remains to be seen how the rest of the journey will go for the two Cobham academy graduates.
