Mason Mount reveals real reason behind leaving Chelsea for United: 'Everyone can see that the club..'

After 18 years at Chelsea, Mason Mount became Manchester United’s first signing of off-season on Wednesday in a move worth 55 million pounds ($69 million).

England international has signed a five-year deal with option of a furr 12 months.

move comes a week after United reached agreement with Chelsea, following protracted negotiations since end of season.

“It’s never easy leaving club where you grew up, but Manchester United will provide an exciting new challenge for next phase of my career,” Mount said. “Having competed against m, I kw 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.”

United will have to pay a furr 5 million pounds ($6.3 million) based on Mount meeting certain targets relating to appearances and success.

Mount, 24, was one of United manr Erik ten Hag’s leading targets ahead of Dutchman’s second season in charge at Old Trafford. He also wants to sign a top class striker to replace Cristia Ronaldo, who left in vember.

Ten Hag is looking to build a squad capable of challenging for Premier League title next season, as well as compete in Champions League.

“Everyone can see that club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag,” Mount said. “Having met with manr and discussed his plans, I couldn’t be more excited for seasons ahead, and am ready for hard work expected here. I am hugely ambitious; I kw how amazing it feels to win major trophies and what it takes to do it. I will be giving everything to experience that again at Manchester United.”

Mount was part of Chelsea’s Champions League-winning team of 2021 and has emerged as one of Premier League’s leading midfielders after coming through club’s academy. He also won European Super Cup and Club World Cup with his former club.

He made 195 appearances for Chelsea and scored 33 goals. In his time at club he also established himself as a regular for England.

“Mason is an extremely intelligent footballer and has so many fantastic technical qualities that will significantly add to our squad,” United football director John Murtough said. “We have admired his talents for a long time, so we are delighted that he has chosen to take next steps in his career here at Old Trafford.

“Mason himself is a world-class player but he also has ability to improve players around him through his game intelligence and tactical awareness.”

Mount posted an emotional video mess to Chelsea fans on Tuesday to confirm he was leaving club he joined as a six-year-old.

“Given speculation over last six months this may t come as a surprise to you, but it doesn’t make it any easier to tell that I’ve made decision to leave Chelsea,” he said on Instagram. “I kw some of you won’t be happy with my decision but it is what’s right for me at this moment in my career.”

Mount is latest player to leave Chelsea as part of a summer clear out by London club.

N’Golo Kante, Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy are or high profile players to leave, while Hakim Ziyech, Romelu Lukaku and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang are expected to follow.

departures come after Chelsea spent around $630 million last season, but failed to qualify for Europe as it suffered its worst ever Premier League campaign.