Mason Greenwood ‘has the qualities “to join the Pantheon of Marseille Greats, explains manager Roberto de Zerbi.
The former Manchester United striker had a prolific first season, but of Zerbi recently called him to improve his work ethics.
Greenwood left Manchester United under a cloud last summer after being arrested in January 2022 before being accused of attempted rape, aggression and control and coercive behavior.
The charges against Greenwood were abandoned by the Crown prosecution service following “withdrawal of key witnesses and new documents that have been revealed”. Greenwood has always denied allegations.
But after a season of 17 goals so far – including a top of the corner of the corner against Toulouse during the 3-2 Sunday victory – he rebuilt his career and was supported to be one of their “biggest players”, armed with a contract until 2029.
“Greenwood is a natural talent,” said Zerbi.
Mason Greenwood can become a legend in Marseille, according to his manager Roberto de Zerbi
The 23 -year -old striker has had a prolific season and they could qualify for the Champions League
De Zerbi says that Greenwood, who has marked 17 times this season, is a “natural talent”
“All the credit goes to his mother and his father. And I’m here to help him become more complete. When he needs a hug, a word of support, I gladly give him. And when I need to push it to give more, I have to do that too because it’s my job.
“I would particularly like to help him remember, in this stadium and by these supporters, as one of the greatest players to have played here at the Vélodrome,” he added.
“There have been so many great players here, but I think Greenwood has the qualities to remember this way. And I try to help him progress.
This is a daring affirmation in a club that won nine Ligue 1 titles, a European Cup, and produced a Golden Ball winner in the former French striker Jean-Pierre Papin.
Although their best markers according to Yore’s days like Gunnar Andersson and Josip Skoblar do not remember so well these days, they have always had recent club favorites such as Dimitrian Payet, Florian Thauvan and Andre-Pierre Gignac.
His Golden Boot hunt was exploded to mitits by the form of Ousmane Dembele – Greenwood barn with 16 Ligue 1 goals, now drags the man of PSG by five.
But it was always a solid campaign that rekindled his career after leaving United for 30 million pounds sterling.
Its move to France sparked a counterpoup of Livid Marseille fans, which launched a #GreenwoodNotWelcome campaign when it was initially linked to the club.
Greenwood and Harriet Robson (left) would have welcomed the birth of their second daughter
Greenwood shared a photo of Harriet and their first daughter in the summer on Instagram recently
While his instant striker form has won some, his manager is undoubtedly one of his most demanding criticisms.
“Greenwood is a very good person I love, because I love his father,” said Zerbi recently.
“ He had a little trouble at any time because he had a girl who was born, and I don’t think he is used to playing such an intense season and being a main player. I think he paid it physically.
“This is to say that he did not push himself and was not 100% as I wanted in training, in terms of what I expect from a player like him.
“His physical condition has decreased a little, but my project in Marseille is not only to qualify for the Champions League, it is also to create something like what Luis Enrique created (at PSG). He created a team, a group of strong players, but with a soul.
Greenwood could face English clubs in the Champions League next season, with Marseille second in Ligue 1.