AN EMOTIONAL Mason Mount had to be consoled by Ben Chilwell after possibly his final Chelsea game.
And then fans were convinced “it’s over” as he took a solo walk around the pitch at an empty Stamford Bridge.
The midfielder, 24, sat out of today’s 1-1 home draw with Newcastle after failing to recover from injury.
But he was on hand to join in the squad’s lap of appreciation to thank the fans for the support across a disappointing season, which saw the Blues finish 12th.
Mount clapped the supporters then grabbed the Chelsea badge in a classy gesture while a number of players and manager Frank Lampard put a comforting arm around his shoulder.
Chilwell was on hand to offer some words of encouragement and as his pal appeared to be welling up.
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And that could be the last Chelsea fans gets to see of their academy graduate Mount amid heavily transfer speculation.
One fan said: “Mason Mount applauding the fans on the lap of honour. Hope this isn’t the last time we see him at Stamford Bridge in Chelsea colours. If it is then thank you.”
Another wrote: “Mason Mount is a true Blue! The bond between him and the Chelsea fans is incredible. This man deserves to stay at Stamford Bridge for years to come, but if not, we’ll always have his back.”
A third added: “I honestly don’t understand how the love story had to end this way.”
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And a user commented: “Oh this is 100 per cent a goodbye, shame he didn’t play.”
A later video showed Mount walking back out on to the pitch, reportedly with his dad, and taking a thoughtful look around the empty stadium once the fans had all left.
Another fan wrote: “It’s over sigh.”
And a final supporter replied: “This makes me so sad.”
Mount will go into the final year of his Blues contract this summer.
But after rejecting all offers of an extension, he looks on course to depart West London.
Manchester United is the most likely destination.
The Red Devils have so far been reluctant to meet Chelsea’s £55million valuation.
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But if a transfer fee can be agreed, personal terms should not be an issue with Mount said to be keen on joining a number of his England team-mates at Old Trafford – leaving Arsenal and Liverpool disappointed.
Should Mount join United, SunSport revealed it could trigger a transfer merry-go-round including Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek and Declan Rice.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
