Chelsea owners break silence with 31-word statement on Mason Mount’s Man United transfer

Chelsea’s owners have spoken for the first time on Mason Mount’s transfer to Manchester United.

The 24-year-old’s switch to Old Trafford on an initial five-year contract was finally confirmed as Erik ten Hag’s side landed the £60 million acquisition.

Mount has left Chelsea after 18 years at the club after contract negotiations over a new deal collapsed and an agreement was unable to be reached, leaving both parties ready to part ways, which saw a deal be struck with Man United.

✍️ It's official.

Welcome to Manchester United, Mason Mount! 🔴#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 5, 2023

Following confirmation of the transfer, Chelsea made no mention of the club Mount joined, but their owners released a short statement of the England international’s departure.

Chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano told the official Chelsea 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.”

It followed Chelsea’s short announcement of: “Mason Mount has today ended his 18-year association with Chelsea after completing a permanent move away from the club.”

Mount explained his departure in a goodbye message prior to the deal being officially confirmed. He addressed fans on Instagram, saying: “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’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.

“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. The backroom staff, the unsung heroes of Cobham, all 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.

“Wish you all the best.”

💙 Mason Mount says goodbye to #Chelsea on Instagram: pic.twitter.com/spnDKpOdNA

— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) July 4, 2023

Mount leaves Chelsea after making 195 appearances for the Chelsea first-team. During his time at the club, he scored 33 goals and registered 37 assists. Mount won the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup, as well as two FA Youth Cups, the UEFA Youth League and Under-18s Premier League.

But it was time for a new chapter for Mount, who told Man United’s in-house media team: “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.”