Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi says Mason Greenwood “paid dearly” after being accused of sexual assault, because the ahead prepares to face English opposition for the primary time because the allegations this week.
OM host Newcastle within the Champions League on Tuesday, with Greenwood anticipated to start out.
He was suspended by former membership Manchester United in January 2022 following allegations of tried rape and sexual assault however prosecutors dropped expenses in February 2023.
Greenwood controversially signed for Marseille in July 2024 after a season on mortgage from United at Spanish membership Getafe.
“I do not get entangled in personal issues. I simply know that Mason is an efficient lad,” De Zerbi advised reporters on Monday.
“He paid dearly for what occurred, and he is discovered the surroundings he wanted right here…
“I remorse what occurred in his life as a result of I do know somebody completely different from what’s being described, particularly in England.”
Greenwood has scored 33 objectives for Marseille, together with 11 already this season.
“Greenwood is progressing,” mentioned De Zerbi.
“It is as much as us to assist him, however above all, it is as much as him to need to make that effort.
“Do not inform him an excessive amount of, do not write it down an excessive amount of, however I actually suppose he is changing into an entire participant.”
Greenwood, who gained one cap for England aged 19, performs alongside compatriots Angel Gomes and CJ Egan-Riley in southern France.
England supervisor Thomas Tuchel mentioned in September that Greenwood was not in his plans.
Gomes, who additionally performed with Greenwood at Man United, insisted he doesn’t know if the 24-year-old hoped for a world recall forward of subsequent 12 months’s World Cup.
“I’ve not spoken with Mason by way of what he desires to do,” mentioned Gomes who has performed 4 occasions for England however not for over a 12 months.
“We discuss (online game) Name of Obligation, we discuss (online game) FIFA, we discuss soccer, however I do not discuss his objectives and what he desires to do — our relationship is not like this…
“When he is on the pitch, he enjoys himself and when it is like that as a team-mate, it is simpler. But in addition as a buddy, it is good and joyful to see.”
Marseille have simply three factors from their opening 4 Champions League matches, with Greenwood scoring solely as soon as, and sit exterior the qualification locations for the knock-out part.
Newcastle are sixth within the desk after following a gap loss to Barcelona with three straight wins.
