REECE JAMES aimed a subtle dig at Manchester United fans during his emotional farewell post for Mason Mount.
The Red Devils unveiled their new £60million man Mount, 24, on Wednesday morning as he officially departed Chelsea after 18 years at the club.
Reece James and Mason Mount training with each other in their early daysCredit: INSTAGRAM @reecejamesMount, bottom, and James, fourth from right, with Declan Rice, far rightCredit: INSTAGRAM @reecejamesNearly all of that has been spent alongside Blues team-mate James, 23, who is just 11 months Mount's junior.
The pair have also enjoyed each other's company at international level for England.
But it was from their time as Chelsea youngsters that James shared some old snaps following Mount's exit.
Premier League odds and betting tipsHe posted one picture of them as young boys - alongside Declan Rice.
And James added another image of him and Mount a little older as they battled for the ball in training.
He then wrote a lengthy caption - which included a cheeky dig at United supporters as James claimed Mount will "always be blue at heart".
Posting on Instagram, the Chelsea right-back said: "Ma brother man. Where do I start?
"I’ve know you since 6 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 alongside you.
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The pair have known each other for nearly 20 yearsCredit: Getty"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!
World Cup hero wants Man Utd move as doubts over Harry Maguire's future grow"You’ll always be blue at heart! ????."
James and Mount won the Champions League as part of Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea side two years ago.
But they now go their separate ways at club level as Mount links up with Erik ten Hag's Man Utd squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Speaking about making the switch, Mount said: "It’s never easy leaving the club where you grew up, but Manchester United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career.
"Having competed against them, I know 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.
"Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag.
"Having met with the manager and discussed his plans, I couldn’t be more excited for the seasons ahead, and am ready for the hard work expected here.
"I am hugely ambitious; I know 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 and James won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021Credit: Getty