Chelsea star Reece James has told Mason Mount he will ‘always be blue at heart’ after his move to Manchester United was confirmed.
The 24-year-old has swapped Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford in a £55million deal, where he has penned a five-year contract.
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It has ended Mount’s 18-year association with the west Londoners after he joined the club’s academy in 2005 aged six.
Close friend James climbed through the ranks alongside him, with the pair going on to win the Champions League together in 2021 while becoming England regulars.
And in an emotional Instagram post, James gushed over the ex-Derby loan star, where he posted a picture of the pair following a youth match in the 2011/12 season.
Another photo showed the duo battling for the ball in training a few years later.
Captioning the upload, James said: “Ma [sic] brother man. Where do I start.
“I’ve know you since six years old, 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 along side 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.
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“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 wear the No.7 shirt at United, was quick to reply, as he simply stated: “My brother from day one, so many memories shared together! So proud of you, thank you RJ.”
Both Mount and James broke into the Chelsea first team in the 2019/20 campaign under the tutelage of then-boss Frank Lampard.
A transfer embargo meant the Blues couldn’t sign any players, leading the club’s all-time top scorer to put his faith in the youth.
And it was a decision that paid off as Chelsea finished in the top four, while also reaching the FA Cup final, which Arsenal eventually won.
The duo have been mainstays in the starting XI for the last four seasons, but for the first time in nearly two decades, they will now no longer be team-mates at club level.
