Mason Mount has penned an emotional statement on social media following Neil Bath's departure from Chelsea. The Manchester United midfielder worked closely with the 58-year-old at Cobham training ground before swapping Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford.

After more than 30 years at the club, Bath decided to step down as director of football development and operations. He helped transform the Blues' youth set-up into the most successful academy in English football.

During Bath's spell in West London, Mount was one of numerous players to make his first-team debut for Chelsea - and, better still, become a regular in the starting lineup. Nevertheless, the Red Devils ace paid homage to the former Blues chief on his Instagram story.

He wrote: "Neil, thank you for your incredible leadership and dedication while I was in the academy. It was because of your commitment to nurturing talent that massively influenced and shaped the academy's achievements. Wishing you all the best in the future."

In an official statement on the club website earlier this week, Bath thanked every player, parent, colleague and supporter for his time at Chelsea. He said: "After 30 years working at Chelsea, I feel it is the right time for me to have some time off and take a break from a job that I have put so much time into.

"I intend to rest and have some time away from the game, however I will continue working over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition for the organisation. As an Academy, we have enjoyed fantastic backing from the Club throughout my time here, without which none of our success would have been possible.

"I would like to thank every single person - player, parent, colleague, supporter - who has been on this journey with us. We achieved everything we could possibly have dreamed of - five Youth Cups in a row, countless debuts, homegrown players helping the team win the Champions League - and we did it together

"In particular, I have to mention Jim Fraser, who has assisted me for the past 20 years and played such an important role in everything we have achieved.

"As a boy from Battersea who grew up on the Shed watching our teams of the 80s, it has been my greatest privilege playing a part in the club's success over the past two decades. I have made memories and friends that will last a lifetime. I hope we have made people proud and left the club in a better place to move forward."

Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali will be aware that Bath has played a crucial role for Chelsea over the years, but Mount's heartfelt message will prove just how instrumental he's been and the importance of a human connection with the next generation.

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