Reece James was clapping for Mason Mount as the former Chelsea midfielder introduced for Manchester United on Thursday evening.
Mason Mount returned to Stamford Bridge for the first time since leaving his boyhood club Chelsea to join United in a £60 million move last summer, coming on as a substitute late in the game with his team leading 3-2.
The Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge welcomed the former Chelsea player with a lot of jeers and boos. Chelsea fans believe that Mount is a traitor for leaving the Blues. However, Reece James looked to have clapped for his former teammate as he made his way onto the pitch.
The two progressed through the Chelsea academy together and were part of Frank Lampard‘s youthful team during the 2019/20 season when a number of young talents were given opportunities to shine due to the club’s transfer embargo at the time.
Mount had a forgettable homecoming, as his United side lost 4-3 after conceding twice in stoppage time. The 25-year-old cut a disgruntled figure at the final whistle, understandably so after seeing his team squander a win in the dying embers for the second game in a row.
Mount was harshly chastised over the summer for selecting Old Trafford as his next move, although there have been contradictory stories as to whether the 2021 Champions League winner genuinely wanted to leave.
Erik Ten Hag gave light on the Mason Mount transfer situation, clearing that Chelsea made a lot of offers for Mason to make him stay but Mason rejected them all and intentionally made a move to step up in his career.
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Although James’ action to defend Mason may come as no surprise given that the pair are good friends. As they started their Chelsea journey together, they always had each other’s backs. It is good to see such a natural bond between the two. Even though Mason left the Blues, the bond is still there.