Chelsea ace Mason Mount has some kind words for England team-mate Declan Rice. Mount and Rice played together as Chelsea youth players and have since become best friends. And now Mount has admitted that he could learn from the way Rice has carved out his career, The Telegraph reports.
Rice was released by Chelsea at the age of 14 before joining West Ham. While he was coping with the disappointment, best friend Mount was coming through the ranks at Chelsea. Now, both players are regular fixtures in the Premier League and have both been named in the England squad.
Mason Mount on Declan Rice
Mount has a lot of respect for Rice and believes the 20-year-old sets a good example for how to cope with disappointment. Mount has had to wait for his chance at Chelsea but now he is thriving with similar success to Rice.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Mount said: “He has that fight and that desire. To be knocked down and released by what is his club – he has always supported Chelsea from a boy – is tough, and tough to come back from. He has done that and I definitely think I can learn stuff off him. I am always speaking to him.”
Mason Mount and Declan Rice to form England partnership?
While Rice has earned three caps for the Three Lions since switching from the Republic of Ireland, Mount is yet to make his debut. The Chelsea starlet has been named in one senior squad but did not get on the pitch.
Mount will be hoping to feature during the international break as England host Bulgaria and Kosovo in the Euro 2020 qualifiers. Rice is well-positioned to start, having played under Gareth Southgate before.
It will be a special moment for the two friends to represent their country together. From humble beginnings, this could be the start of a blossoming partnership for England.
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