Mason Greenwood breaks silence on fan fury over controversial Marseille transfer after leaving Man Utd in £30m deal
MASON GREENWOOD has shared his thoughts on fan protests after signing for Marseille.
The 22-year-old has officially joined the French club from Manchester United in a £30million deal.
Greenwood, who spent last season on loan at Spanish side Getafe, has penned a contract until 2029.
Last term was his first back on the pitch since being suspended by United in January 2022 following his charge of attempted rape, assault, and controlling and coercive behaviour towards a woman.
All criminal charges were eventually dropped in February 2023 after a key witness withdrew.
Greenwood has always insisted he is innocent.
But this has not stopped his arrival in Marseille being met with anger from some supporters, who launched a campaign called #GreenwoodNotWelcome.
And the major of Marseille Benoit Payan also strongly criticised the transfer, saying the club would be “covered with shame” if he joined.
Greenwood has now broken his silence on the fury, telling La Provence: “Obviously, I am aware of this debate and I understand the question. I do not wish to enter into any controversy.
“I already had the opportunity to express myself on this subject last year, it is now behind us.”
Greenwood, who welcomed a daughter to the world last week with girlfriend Harriet Robson, continued: “With my partner, we rebuilt ourselves together, as a couple, we have just spent a year in Madrid.
“We have been together since we were 15, 16-years-old, today we have a beautiful little girl who has just celebrated her first birthday.
“I am now looking towards the future and I am only focused on Olympique de Marseille and on our new life together in Marseille.”
Greenwood’s reintegration at Man Utd was considered but eventually axed after a backlash.
He then joined Getafe on loan, scoring eight LaLiga goals last year.
The ex-England star previously said: “I understand people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and people will think the worst.
“I was brought up to know violence or abuse in any relationship is wrong. I did not do the things I was accused of.
“However, I made mistakes in my relationship and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.”
Meanwhile, his new manager Roberto De Zerbi is ready to strongly defend the signing of Greenwood.
The Italian boss said: “He’s a champion, an international level player.
“I don’t know what happened, I’m not concentrating on private lives.
“When a player signs for the club, I consider him my child.
“Even if I can pull his ear in private, I will defend him publicly. My players are like my sons.”
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