Roberto De Zerbi has revealed he warned Mason Greenwood before the England forward moved from Manchester United to Marseille in a deal worth £27m.
The former Red Devils forward is the first signing under De Zerbi. Who joined in the summer after leaving Brighton on the final day of the 2023-24 season สมัคร UFABET
Greenwood spent last season on loan at La Liga side Getafe and has not played for United since his arrest in January 2020.
He was then charged with attempted rape, assault and unlawful confinement. Which Greenwood has vehemently denied, and the charges and the case were dropped in February 2023 when a key witness withdrew.
De Zerbi has pushed Marseille to sign Greenwood despite protests from fans and even the mayor of Marseille.
However, the Marseille boss told L’Equipe: “Greenwood was the first player I called. I spoke to his father, who is probably the same age as me.”
“I warned him about the demands of this club, telling him: ‘Marseille is Marseille.’
“He replied, ‘I will be the Marseille player in history who has played in a European Cup final.’
Despite some fans’ opposition to the player. De Zerbi said he would continue to defend the player.
“I said that when a player becomes my player. I am the first one who pins him to the wall when he makes a mistake.”
“But from an outside perspective, I will always protect him as I would my son.”