Shortly after Manchester United officially announced the transfer of midfielder Mason Mount, former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand made a bold statement.
Ferdinand expressed his belief that Mount will thrive at Old Trafford, while also suggesting that Chelsea will come to regret their decision to sell the talented midfielder.
On Wednesday, July 5, Manchester United introduced Mount as their newest signing, completing a deal reportedly valued at £60 million.
The transfer saga surrounding Mount finally concluded, with Manchester United successfully securing the services of the English international, who had only one year left on his contract with Chelsea.
In his first sentiments as a Red, Mount revealed his delight at joining the club, adding that United would provide “an exciting new challenge”.
“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. The 24-year old said as quoted on the Man United website.
After confirmation of the first summer signing, Rio Ferdinand took to his social media to react to United acquiring a new Number 7 following the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Really pleased with Mount coming in. Young, talented & hungry. He has the experience of big games with pressure which comes when playing for Utd,” Ferdinand started before taunting Chelsea fans with a ‘regret’ claim.
“As a player, he will bring us goals, creativity, a work ethic & a willing runner into the opposition box.
“He definitely adds to what we have in the squad and is different from the others in midfield. I actually think in time Chelsea will regret selling Mount. Now for a No.9.”
As reported on BBC, Mount met up with Erik Ten Hag and was impressed with the gaffer’s plans for the club.
He was offered the Number 7 shirt during discussions as a show of how much they wanted him to become the club’s first summer signing. The shirt number was previously worn by Ronaldo and before that, David Beckham.
Chelsea departures
The England international is the latest Chelsea player to leave Stamford Bridge, as he follows a string of superstars to the exit door.
Ruben Loftus Cheek (AC Milan), Kai Havertz (Arsenal), Kovacic (Man City), N’golo Kante (Al-Ittihad), Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy (Al Hilal) are some of the big names that have left Chelsea ahead of Mauricio Pochettino’s reign at the club.
Mount’s cute video copying CR7
There were also reports of Mason Mount’s video as a child where he was mimicking Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo is arguably football’s biggest influencer with his lifestyle, fashion and goal celebration, a global phenomenon copied by colleagues and football lovers worldwide.
Mount is not left out of being a Ronaldo fanboy and spoke about how he modelled his freekick technique after the Portuguese, from his days at Cobham Academy.