Reece James Sends Emotional Farewell Message to Mason Mount After Manchester United Move
In a surprising turn of events, Chelsea star Reece James has bid farewell to his close friend Mason Mount after his move to Manchester United was confirmed. The 24-year-old midfielder has completed a £55 million deal and signed a five-year contract with the Red Devils.
Mount’s departure from Chelsea marks the end of his 18-year association with the club. He joined the Chelsea academy at the age of six in 2005. Throughout his journey, he formed a strong bond with Reece James, who also climbed through the ranks alongside him. The pair went on to achieve great success together, winning the Champions League in 2021 and earning regular call-ups to the England national team.
In an emotional Instagram post, Reece James expressed his admiration for his long-time friend. He shared a picture of the two of them after a youth match in the 2011/12 season, showcasing their early beginnings. Another photo showed them battling for the ball during training a few years later.
Captioning the post, James wrote, “Ma [sic] brother man. Where do I start? I’ve known you since we were six years old, and we grew together, taking similar paths in breaking into the first team. Something that seemed virtually impossible. I’m proud to say I did it alongside you.”
He continued, “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!”
Mount, who will now wear the iconic No.7 shirt at Manchester United, responded to James’ message, saying, “My brother from day one, so many memories shared together! So proud of you, thank you RJ.”
Both Mount and James made their breakthrough into the Chelsea first team during the 2019/20 season under the guidance of former manager Frank Lampard. Due to a transfer embargo, Lampard put his faith in the club’s youth players, including Mount and James. The decision paid off as Chelsea finished in the top four and reached the FA Cup final, although they were eventually defeated by Arsenal.
For the past four seasons, Mount and James have been mainstays in Chelsea’s starting XI. However, their time as teammates at club level has come to an end after nearly two decades. Mount’s move to Manchester United opens up a new chapter in his career, while James will continue to represent Chelsea.
The departure of Mount is undoubtedly a loss for Chelsea, as he has been one of their most important players in recent years. His creativity, technical ability, and versatility have made him a key figure in the team’s midfield. However, Chelsea fans can take solace in the fact that Mount will always have a special place in his heart for the club.
As for James, he will continue to be a vital part of Chelsea’s squad. His versatility as a right-back or central midfielder, combined with his defensive prowess and attacking threat, make him a valuable asset for the team. Chelsea will rely on James to continue making significant contributions on the pitch.
In conclusion, Reece James’ heartfelt farewell message to Mason Mount highlights the strong bond they formed throughout their careers at Chelsea. Despite Mount’s move to Manchester United, their friendship remains intact. Both players have played crucial roles in Chelsea’s recent success and will be remembered as key figures in the club’s history. As they embark on new chapters in their careers, fans can only hope that their paths will cross again in the future.