Marseille President Consulted Mother Before Signing Mason Greenwood from Manchester United

An Unconventional Decision

Pablo Longoria, the president of Marseille, disclosed that he sought his mother’s opinion prior to finalizing the acquisition of Mason Greenwood from Manchester United in 2024.

Greenwood’s Journey from Controversy to New Opportunities

Once regarded as a promising young player in the Premier League, Greenwood faced suspension by Manchester United in January 2022 following his arrest on charges that included attempted rape and assault.

In February 2023, the Crown Prosecution Service announced that the case was dropped due to key witnesses retracting their testimony. Despite a cloud of controversy, Greenwood never returned to play for United but did spend a season on loan at Getafe in La Liga. Subsequently, he made a permanent move to Marseille in 2024, where he has made a remarkable impact, scoring 33 goals in 54 appearances.

Seeking Guidance

Longoria has emphasized the importance of transparency in decision-making surrounding Greenwood’s signing. Speaking to the Telegraph, he remarked, “It’s beneficial to discuss controversial topics openly. Making taboos around these matters is never constructive.”

He elaborated on the thorough assessment made regarding Greenwood’s situation and explained how he consulted his mother before making the decision. His mother, who has experience working within the Spanish prison system and received state recognition for her contributions, offered valuable insight.

Longoria recalled, “After gathering extensive information, I reached out to her and asked, ‘What would you do in my position?’ She advised me to proceed with the signing.” He stressed that her viewpoint was particularly meaningful, as she was not influenced by the sporting aspects but rather by her genuine interest as a mother.

Addressing Criticism

Despite Greenwood’s impressive performance at Marseille, opposition to the signing has surfaced, including criticism voiced by the Mayor of Marseille, who labeled Greenwood’s actions “unspeakable and unacceptable.”

Longoria acknowledged the backlash but maintained that he feels confident in his decision. “I understand the negative attention. Yes, it can lead to reputation concerns,” he stated. “Nonetheless, if you’re convinced you’re making the right choice based on credible information and from a humanitarian perspective, that’s what matters. Mason is genuinely a good individual.”

He expressed pride in Greenwood’s development and contributions to the team, emphasizing that his satisfaction isn’t solely based on scoring but also on his commitment to improving defensively.

Conclusion

Longoria’s decision to sign Greenwood highlights the complexities of balancing a player’s talent against their past controversies. As the situation continues to unfold, both the club and Greenwood are under watchful scrutiny as they move forward.