When you ask your mama if you should sign Greenwood

Considering the talent, it could be said easily that Marseille got a bargain when they signed Mason Greenwood back in 2024. The English striker was suddenly an option as Manchester United wanted to get rid of him and the French giant stepped in and paid 30 million euros to secure his services. In 64 matches across all competitions, the former Manchester United player scored 42 goals (including 20 in the first half of the season alone) along with 12 assists and proved to be one of key players for coach Roberto De Zerbi. But signing him was a tough decision and nobody could guarantee the club’s officials that it would pay out. Marseille’s president eventually decided to risk it and it worked. But he had a special advisor on this one – his own mother.

The reason was simple – Greenwood became available at a discount price due to his rape allegations. In January 2022, he was arrested and suspended by Manchester United after a woman posted images and videos alleging violence and sexual misconduct. He denied all charges and the key witnesses withdrew their cooperation so the prosecution discontinued the case. Many people and organizations reacted strongly to the case and to Greenwood’s return to professional football, which is part of why United kept him out of the team even after charges were dropped, as many believed he actually did it all, but just got away due to lack of evidence.

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So when the opportunity came, president Pablo Longoria knew who to call to help him.

"With all the necessary information in my possession, I called my mother. And I asked: 'What do you think, considering the whole situation?' My mother, who worked in the Spanish prison system where she had implemented a very innovative model – she had even received a state medal for it – replied, fully aware of the situation: 'Do it.'"It was important because I wanted someone who wasn't motivated by sport, because the talent of Greenwood is there, and whose only motivation was the well-being of her son. As a man, not as president. And, for me, it was very important that she told me, knowing all this, 'do it'. Yes, I know there's criticism. I know this kind of situation can often damage a reputation. But I repeat, if you think you're making the right decision, with the necessary information, and also from a human perspective, because Mason is a good guy... Since then, I've been sleeping soundly" the Marseille president told the Telegraph. So far, so good for Longoria and the club.