New Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi was reportedly a 'major attraction' for Mason Greenwood to leave Manchester United for the French side.
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Greenwood swaps Man Utd for MarseilleDe Zerbi 'major attraction' in moveEx-Brighton boss called him daily before transferWHAT HAPPENED?
The long-running Greenwood transfer saga came to an end last week when the forward left United for Marseille. And according to The Athletic, ex-Brighton boss De Zerbi played a big role in his transfer, with the Italian reportedly calling Greenwood and his father Andrew every day as the Ligue 1 side tried to land his signature.
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Despite criticism from some Marseille fans over signing Greenwood – which stemmed from the one-time England international previously being accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive and controlling behaviour, before all charges were dropped – De Zerbi has stuck by the 22-year-old. Before Greenwood signed, he said: “What I can say is that once a player signs with Marseille, all the players, he becomes like a son to me and I will protect him from anyone. If I have to pull their ears or put him against the wall I will — but in front of people, I will defend him like a son.”
says that De Zerbi's words 'resonated' with the former Getafe loanee, who later gave his approval for the transfer to Marseille.
DID YOU KNOW?
Greenwood, who signed a five-year deal with Marseille for an initial fee of £23.3 million ($30m), was linked with Lazio, Barcelona, and Getafe but ended up leaving United for the Ligue 1 team. Last season on loan he scored 10 goals and bagged six assists in all competitions for Getafe.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Ahead of making his full debut with Marseille when the Ligue 1 season rolls round next month, Greenwood could feature in their pre-season friendlies against SC Toulon, Pau, Sunderland and Augsburg in the coming weeks.
