Supporters welcomed him and sang his name when he landed in the middle of the night, his jersey sells better than anyone else's and on the pitch, the goals are pouring in.
At the same time, Olympique de Marseille (OM) is being accused of hypocrisy and criticized by both their own supporters and the city's mayor, Benoît Payan.
Mason Greenwood's arrival at OM has sparked strong reactions and led to a heated debate.
The initial reactions were very divided. Some were very happy to welcome such a player. Others didn't want him due to his past, says Lamperti, who has closely followed the Englishman's move to the city.
"Does not represent the club's values"
It was in the fall of 2022 that Greenwood, then at Manchester United, was accused of rape and assault of his girlfriend. In the beginning of 2023, the investigation was dropped after the girlfriend withdrew her accusations and new evidence was presented. This despite there being video clips and voice messages – published on social media – where Greenwood was heard and seen being threatening and violent.
Greenwood, who denies all allegations, was suspended by United. Last year, he was loaned out to Getafe and now he has been sold to Marseille.
There are hardcore supporters who value morality above all else, who will never accept the recruitment. He does not represent the club's values, say the supporters. But now Greenwood is already the jersey that sells the best and his brilliant start to the season is only increasing his popularity.
Leading the goal-scoring league
After three league matches, Greenwood has scored five goals and tops the goal-scoring league in French Ligue 1. The reception among away supporters is "not particularly good", according to Lamperti, who says that the 22-year-old is booed more than any other player. Many women's organizations have also been critical of the recruitment.
Especially considering that OM during the covid pandemic invited women who are victims of domestic violence to their training facility.
How does OM relate to Greenwood's past?
OM says that he has not been convicted in court and that he has the right to a second chance. But the subject remains taboo, says Lamperti.
In the fall of 2022, English football player Mason Greenwood was accused of rape and assault of his girlfriend. Greenwood was subsequently suspended from his then club Manchester United.
In October 2022, he was charged on three counts of attempted rape, assault, and "controlling behavior". In February 2023, it was announced that the investigation would be dropped after the girlfriend withdrew her accusations and new evidence was presented.
Greenwood was then allowed to continue training on his own while a debate about his football career emerged. Manchester United announced in August 2023 that he does not have a future in the club.
Last season, Greenwood was loaned out to Spanish Getafe and before this season, he has been sold to French Marseille.
