‘It’s something I’ve had to deal with’ – Mason Burstow on his transfer from Chelsea to Charlton Athletic

Mason Burstow feels he is dealing okay with any negativity from sections of the Charlton Athletic support over his January transfer to Chelsea.

The 18-year-old striker signed for the Blues at the end of the last window but was loaned back to the South Londoners for the remainder of the season.

Some Addicks fans have been left unhappy that Burstow opted to leave so soon after breaking into the first-team fold in SE7.

But the South London Press was told at the time that all parties were happy at the terms of the deal.

Burstow has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Chelsea.

“It’s something that I’ve had to deal with – especially after the move where the reception hasn’t been as good,” Burstow told Charlton’s matchday programme. “But I feel like I’m dealing with it. I’ve been able to block it out. Once I’m playing, as soon as I touch the ball and doing what I love, the nerves go.

“I’m giving 100 per cent to show why I deserve to be there. Being a Charlton player is still an important accomplishment for me, it means a lot.”

Burstow describes the spell before his high-profile transfer as “really stressful’ for him and his family.

“What they can do for me in my development as a footballer was something I couldn’t turn down,” he said. “I know that I won’t be with the first team straight away.”

Burstow is facing a spell on the sidelines after coming off in Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Milton Keynes with a hamstring injury.

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS