Roberto De Zerbi says Mason Greenwood was the “first player” he called as Marseille boss, with the ex-Manchester United ace sent pre-transfer warning.
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Winger impressed on loan at GetafeLinked with clubs across EuropeHas taken on new challenge in FranceWHAT HAPPENED?
After impressing on loan at Getafe last season – winning their Player of the Year award – one-cap England international Greenwood was always expected to be on the move this summer. Manchester United opened themselves up to offers for a player that no longer figured in their long-term plans.
AdvertisementGetty/GOALWHAT DE ZERBI SAID
The 22-year-old forward was linked with clubs across Europe, but has taken on a new challenge in France. Former Brighton boss De Zerbi pushed for that deal to be done, telling of how he helped to get a transfer completed: “Greenwood is the first player I called. I spoke with his father, who must be the same age as me. I warned him about the demands of this club, telling him: 'OM is OM.' He replied: 'I remember the historic OM, which played in European Cup finals'.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
There were protests against Greenwood’s arrival from some Marseille supporters, but De Zerbi said of welcoming a divisive character to Stade Velodrome: “I said that when a player becomes my player, I am the first to pin him to the wall if he makes a mistake. But towards the outside, I will always defend him as I would defend my son.”
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Greenwood has made an early impact at Marseille, with two goals recorded during pre-season outings. Having found his feet during friendly appearances, the highly-rated winger is now ready for a 2024-25 Ligue 1 opener away at Brest on Saturday.