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Mason Greenwood’s arrival at Olympique de Marseille from Manchester United yesterday has prompted large controversy.
The 22 12 months outdated was sold by United because it grew to become politically and ethically unimaginable to retain him after his arrest by Better Manchester Police for tried rape and assault in 2022.
Nonetheless, though the costs in opposition to him have been dropped and he’s now in a settled relationship with the girl in query, they usually have had a child collectively, Marseille followers are up in arms in regards to the switch.
Earlier than the switch was accomplished, the mayor of Marseille Benoit Payan called on the club to terminate their curiosity, however the attraction fell on deaf ears as Greenwood accomplished his €26 million + €5 million transfer.
The Daily Mail stories that this has sparked outrage within the metropolis.
“Marseille supporters launched a #GreenwoodNotWelcome marketing campaign earlier in July and whereas some welcomed him to the airport with cheers on Wednesday night time, others have now protested within the fiercest phrases on social media,” the outlet stories.
Phrases akin to “ashamed” and “disgusted” featured strongly.
“One fan branded it the ‘most immoral second’ within the membership’s historical past,” The Mail notes, whereas describing main girls’s rights objections from massive sections of the fanbase.
Greenwood himself addressed the problem in an interview with La Provence following the signing.
“Clearly, I’m conscious of this debate and I perceive the query,” he mentioned.
“I don’t want to enter into any controversy. I already had the chance to precise myself on this topic final 12 months, it’s now behind us.
“With my associate, we rebuilt ourselves collectively, as a pair, we’ve got simply spent a 12 months in Madrid. Now we have been collectively since we have been 15, 16 years outdated, immediately we’ve got a stupendous little woman who has simply celebrated her first birthday.
“I’m now wanting in the direction of the long run and I’m solely centered on Olympique de Marseille and on our new life, collectively, in Marseille.”
Greenwood additionally thanked his mortgage membership final season, Getafe, for serving to him to relaunch his profession and mentioned “I’m very glad to be a participant of Olympique de Marseille… I’ve excellent emotions about beginning this nice journey.
“I hope that we’ll have the chance to flourish right here, in Marseille, with my household. I actually appreciated the welcome I acquired, that so many individuals have been there to welcome me on this manner… It touched me.”
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