Mason Greenwood 'has the qualities' to become a member of the Pantheon of Marseille Greats, says manager Roberto de Zerbi.
The former striker of Manchester United has enjoyed a productive debut season, but the Zerbi recently called him to improve his work ethics.
Greenwood left Manchester United under a cloud last summer after he was arrested in January 2022 before being accused of attempted rape, abuse and controlling and compelling behavior.
The charges against Greenwood were withdrawn by the Crown Prosecution Service after the 'withdrawal of important witnesses and new material that comes to light'. Greenwood has always denied the allegations.
But after a season of 17 goals so far inclusive a top corner Screamer against Toulouse in the 3-2 victory of Sunday he rebuilt his career and is supported as one of their 'Greatest Players', armed with a contract until 2029.
“Greenwood is a natural talent,” said the Zerbi.
“All honor goes to his mother and father. And I am here to help him become more complete. When he needs a hug, a word of support, I would like to give it. And if I have to push him to give more, I have to do that because that is my job. '
“I would especially like to help him remember, in this stadium and by these supporters, as one of the greatest players who played here in the Vélodrome,” he added.
'There have been so many great players here, but I think Greenwood has the qualities to be remembered in this way. And I try to help him make progress. '
It is a daring claim in a club that has won nine Ligue 1 titles, one European Cup, and has produced a balloon d'Or winner in former France striker Jean-Pierre Papin.
While their top scorers from days from the past such as Gunnar Andersson and Josip Skoblar are not remembered nowadays, they still have recent club favorites such as Dimitri Payet, Florian Tauvan and Andre-Pierre Gignac.
His hunt for the golden boot is blasted by Ousmane Dembele's Barnstorming Form -Greenwood with 16 Ligue 1 goals, now the PSG man with five behind.
But it has still been a strong campaign that has arranged his career again after he left United for £ 30 million.
His move to France led to a return of Livid Marseille fans, who launched a #greenwoodnotwelcy campaign when he was initially connected to the club.
While his immediate goals won a number, his manager is perhaps one of his most demanding critics.
“Greenwood is a very good person I love, as I love his father,” the Zerbi said recently.
'He has had a bit difficult lately because he had a daughter 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 has physically paid for it.
'That means that he did not push himself and was not 100 percent the way I wanted in training, in terms of what I expect from a player like him.
'His physical condition has fallen a bit, but my project in Marseille is not only to be eligible for the Champions League, it is also to create something if what Luis Enrique has created (at PSG). He has created a team, a group of strong players, but with a soul. '
Greenwood could be confronted with English clubs in the Champions League next season, with Marseille second in Ligue 1.
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