English striker Mason Greenwood, in his first press conference with Marseille, declared his focus on the future when asked about the controversy surrounding his arrival. The 22-year-old was suspended by Manchester United in January 2022 following allegations of attempted rape and sexual assault, but charges were dropped in February 2023. Greenwood’s signing has been met with criticism from Marseille fans and officials, including the city’s left-wing mayor Benoit Payan.
Despite the backlash, Greenwood maintained his desire to move forward. “I understand the question, but I don’t really want to get into any conversations or any discussions about that,” he said. “I’d only like to look forward, and to be part of Marseille and just to move forward with myself, my family, my daughter and my partner and the whole club and to focus on the football and the off-field work with my family.”
Greenwood spent the previous season on loan at Getafe in Spain’s La Liga. Marseille reportedly paid Manchester United 30 million euros ($32.7m) for the forward.
Marseille’s president, Pablo Longoria, acknowledged the controversy surrounding Greenwood’s arrival but emphasized the focus on the future. “I’m the first to understand that Mason’s arrival raises a lot of questions,” said Longoria. “But we’re talking about the past. It’s a complex situation and an old situation.”
Greenwood, who scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 36 games for Getafe last season, expressed contentment with his personal life. “In my personal life, I was in Madrid last season which was very good with my partner and my daughter. We lived very comfortably in Madrid and were all happy.”
The English striker is set to feature in Marseille’s first friendly of the season against Nimes on Sunday. He expressed his preference for playing on the right wing, but emphasized his willingness to contribute wherever needed. “On the right is my preferred position but it’s up to the coach to pick me in whatever position and I’ll give 100 per cent in every single game.”
Greenwood, who has played once for England, stated his intention to focus on his club football this season when asked about a possible international recall.
His arrival in Marseille comes shortly after the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gabon international who was Marseille’s top scorer last season.
