Greenwood 'paid dearly' for sex assault allegations, says De Zerbi

Marseille manager Roberto De Zerbi states that Mason Greenwood has "paid dearly" following accusations of sexual assault, as the striker gets ready to take on an English side for the first time since those claims emerged this week.

OM will welcome Newcastle in the Champions League on Tuesday, and Greenwood is anticipated to feature from the start.

He faced suspension from his previous team Manchester United in January 2022 amid claims of attempted rape and sexual assault, though the authorities withdrew the charges in February 2023.

Greenwood joined Marseille in a contentious move in July 2024, after spending a season on loan from United at the Spanish outfit Getafe.

"I steer clear of personal issues. All I can say is that Mason is a decent young man," De Zerbi remarked to journalists on Monday.

"He has endured significant consequences for those events, and now he has discovered the right setting with us here...

"I feel sorry for what occurred in his personal life, as I am acquainted with a version of him that differs from the portrayal, particularly back in England."

Greenwood has netted 33 goals for Marseille to date, with 11 of those coming this season alone.

"Greenwood is developing well," De Zerbi added.

"It falls to us to back him up, yet primarily it is his responsibility to put in the required work.

"Avoid overemphasising it or documenting it excessively, but I truly believe he is evolving into a well-rounded footballer."

Greenwood, who earned a single England appearance at age 19, lines up with fellow English players Angel Gomes and CJ Egan-Riley in the south of France.

England boss Thomas Tuchel indicated in September that Greenwood holds no place in his future selections.

Gomes, a former Manchester United colleague of Greenwood, expressed uncertainty about whether the 24-year-old aspires to a return to international duty before the World Cup next year.

"I have not discussed with Mason regarding his ambitions," said Gomes, who has four England caps but none in over a year.

"Our chats cover (video game) Call of Duty, (video game) FIFA, and football matters, but we do not delve into his aspirations or plans, that is not the nature of our bond...

"On the field, he relishes the game, and as a team-mate that makes things smoother. As a friend too, it is pleasant to witness his enjoyment."

Marseille hold just three points from their initial four Champions League fixtures, where Greenwood has managed only one goal, leaving them beyond the spots for advancing to the knockout rounds.

Newcastle occupy sixth position after an early defeat to Barcelona followed by three consecutive victories.