Mason Mount Completes Manchester United Move as Didier Drogba Pays Tribute
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has paid tribute to Mason Mount after the England international completed his move to Manchester United on Wednesday. The two-time Chelsea player of the year had entered the final year of his deal when he told the Blues he was not willing to sign an extension, and the £55million move to Old Trafford marks the end of Mount’s 18-year association with Stamford Bridge.
Mount had initially been keen to remain at Stamford Bridge, but was unhappy with the lack of urgency from Chelsea in negotiations. The midfielder has now signed a five-year deal with United, and Erik ten Hag was desperate to sign Mount as a long-term replacement for Christian Eriksen, with the Dutchman feeling the Englishman’s energy and off-the-ball ability can significantly improve United’s midfield.
Commenting over Mount’s exit announcement video, Drogba said: “Another prince leaving the club of his life. Thank you and all the very best to you, champs.”
Mount joined Chelsea’s academy at the age of six and has gone on to become one of the club’s most successful academy graduates in recent years. He won back-to-back player of the year awards in 2018/19 and 2019/20, and was a key part of Frank Lampard’s side last season as they finished fourth in the Premier League and reached the Champions League final.
Rio Ferdinand has said that Chelsea will regret selling Mount, and the midfielder could make his United debut against rivals Leeds United in Oslo next week.
Mount’s Career at Chelsea
Mount joined Chelsea’s academy at the age of six and quickly established himself as one of the club’s most promising young players. He made his first-team debut in 2017 and went on to make over 150 appearances for the Blues, scoring 20 goals and providing 24 assists.
Mount won back-to-back player of the year awards in 2018/19 and 2019/20, and was a key part of Frank Lampard’s side last season as they finished fourth in the Premier League and reached the Champions League final. He also won his first senior England cap in 2019 and has since gone on to make 16 appearances for his country.
Erik ten Hag’s Excitement Over Signing Mason Mount
Erik ten Hag was desperate to sign Mount as a long-term replacement for Christian Eriksen, with the Dutchman feeling the Englishman’s energy and off-the-ball ability can significantly improve United’s midfield. Ten Hag said: “Mason is an exciting young player with great energy and ability, both with and without the ball. He has been a key player for Chelsea over the past two seasons and has proven himself at the highest level. We are delighted he has chosen to join Manchester United.”
Rio Ferdinand’s Message to Chelsea
Rio Ferdinand has said that Chelsea will regret selling Mount, saying: “I think Chelsea will regret this decision in years to come because he’s a top player. He’s a great kid, he’s got a great attitude and he’s got great ability. He’s going to be a great signing for Manchester United.”
Didier Drogba’s Tribute
Commenting over Mount’s exit announcement video, Drogba said: “Another prince leaving the club of his life. Thank you and all the very best to you, champs.” Drogba added a broken heart emoji in his tribute, highlighting just how much Mount will be missed at Stamford Bridge.
Conclusion
Mason Mount has completed his move from Chelsea to Manchester United, ending his 18-year association with Stamford Bridge. The England international had initially been keen to remain at Chelsea but was unhappy with the lack of urgency from the Blues in negotiations, and he has now signed a five-year deal with United. Erik ten Hag was desperate to sign Mount as a long-term replacement for Christian Eriksen, with the Dutchman feeling the Englishman’s energy and off-the-ball ability can significantly improve United’s midfield.
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba paid tribute to Mount after his exit announcement video, saying: “Another prince leaving the club of his life. Thank you and all the very best to you, champs.” Rio Ferdinand has said that Chelsea will regret selling Mount, and the midfielder could make his United debut against rivals Leeds United in Oslo next week.