Wearing the iconic No. 7 shirt adorned by Manchester United greats like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham, Mason Mount became the club's first signing of the off-season on Wednesday.
And upon completion of his 55 million pounds ($69 million) transfer from Chelsea, the 24-year-old midfielder declared his intention to emulate United's stars of the past.
"I am hugely ambitious; I know how amazing it feels to win major trophies and what it takes to do it," Mount said. "I will be giving everything to experience that again at Manchester United."
The No. 7 has been worn by some of United's greatest players including 1960s icon George Best, Bryan Robson, who was dubbed Captain Marvel' in the 80s and 90s; and Eric Cantona, who inspired the start of the club's near 20-year dominance of English soccer in 90s and 2000s. Beckham and Ronaldo are global icons that have transcended the sport, as well as winning soccer's biggest prizes. In other words, it is a big shirt to fill. Not that United thinks that will be a problem for a player who won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 and has established himself as an England regular.
"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.