Following Mason Mount’s decision to depart Chelsea for Manchester United, his longtime friend Reece James expressed his sadness at bidding farewell.
Mount, 24, completed a move to United today, signing a five-year contract with the possibility of extending it for an additional 12 months.
This marked the end of Mount’s 18-year tenure with Chelsea, a decision that was undoubtedly difficult for him.
James, who shared a journey with Mount from their youth days at Chelsea to representing their country together, openly conveyed his anguish at seeing his childhood teammate leave their beloved club.
Writing on Instagram, he said: “Ma brother man. Where do I start?
“I’ve known you since six, 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 alongside 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!”
Within minutes of James posting his heartfelt farewell, Mount thanked his former team-mate.
He replied: “My brother from day one, so many memories shared together. Thank you RJ.”
After completing his switch to Old Trafford, Mount said: “It’s never easy leaving the club where you grew up but United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career.
“Having competed against them, I know 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 the club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag.
“Having met the manager and discussed his plans, I couldn’t be more excited and am ready for the hard work expected here.
“I’m hugely ambitious. I know how amazing it feels to win major trophies and what it takes to do it.
“I’ll be giving everything to experience that again at United.”