Mason Greenwood joined Marseille from Manchester United in 2024 and the French club’s president has opened on the controversial decision to move for the forward
Mason Greenwood
Mason Greenwood signed for Marseille in 2024(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Marseille president Pablo Longoria has admitted to seeking advice from his mum prior to the controversial signing of Mason Greenwood. The striker signed for the French side for £26m from Manchester United in 2024.
Greenwood, 24, has scored 42 goals in 64 appearances for Marseille since then. His initial signing was widely criticised, with Greenwood having faced allegations of attempted rape, assault and coercive control - those charges later being dropped by the CPS.
Longoria has now opened up on the decision to bring Greenwood to the Stade Velodrome in the face of the controversy, having sought advice from his mum. Speaking in an interview with The Telegraph, he said: “For me, it’s correct to speak openly about it.
“Creating taboos in life is never positive. For us it was a massive market opportunity from a sporting perspective where we analysed, very carefully, what really happened.
“In that case, having done due diligence and having all the information – and this is the first time I speak about this – with all the information I called my mother. And I said ‘what do you think, knowing all the situation?’
“And my mother, who used to work in the prison system in Spain, having a very innovative prison system model in Spain – she was recognised with the medal of the state – so I ask her, having all this information, ‘what would you do in my position?’ And she said to me ‘do it’. With all the information.
“It was important because I wanted someone who doesn’t have the incentive of the sport, because the talent is there, that her only incentive is the good of her son. As a man, not as a president. And, for me, it was very important that she said to me, knowing all of this, ‘do it’.”
Pablo Longoria
Pablo Longoria has opened up on Marseille's decision to sign Mason Greenwood(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Greenwood has been linked with a number of clubs since moving to France, but Longoria is determined to keep hold of the forward. He added: “We are happy.
“He’s performing and the numbers, the talent is there. At the same time, it’s also if we are on the same page, it’s also a moment to analyse, as well the financial situation and ecosystem of French football, knowing all the difficulties.
“But I think if we are all aligned on Mason he can still have a future here. I think that it can be as well for him necessary because we are seeing that Mason this season is not the Mason of last season. I expect that he’s continuing to grow up and I would like to help him as well, you know, being better each day.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us, and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.
Content Image
Content Image