Joey Barton has backed Marseille’s decision to sign Mason Greenwood and believes England would have won Euro 2024 with the 22-year-old in Gareth Southgate’s side.
Greenwood arrived in Marseille on Wednesday evening to finalise his move from Manchester United after a €31.6m (£26.7m) deal was agreed earlier this month.
The forward spent last season season on loan at Spanish side Getafe after United decided that he would not return to Erik ten Hag’s first-team squad following his arrest in January 2022 for attempted rape, controlling behaviour and assault.
All charges against Greenwood were dropped in February 2023 and United had considered reintegrating him back into Erik ten Hag’s squad before the Premier League club received major backlash over his potential return.
Marseille also faced criticism over their decision to sign Greenwood, with the city’s mayor, Benoit Payan, claiming that the club would be ‘covered in shame’ if the United forward arrived.
But Marseille have opted to go ahead with a deal and Barton, who spent a season on loan at the French side during his playing career, has backed Greenwood to flourish in Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
‘That is a great signing. The kid deserves a chance to get on with his career. We all make mistakes. Nobody’s perfect,’ Barton wrote on X.
‘England would have won the Euros with this kid in the side.
‘He’s as good a player as any in that Euros squad. His behaviour and the public fallout has massively affected his performance, yet he went to an average team in Spain. And got himself back on track!
‘I hope Mason and his family find peace and prosperity in the South of France. Be allowed to get on with their young lives. And hopefully he can get the opportunity to atone for his errors.
‘I know the fans of Marseille love their club. This boy could be as good a player as any Englishman that has pulled on your jersey before.
‘With the support your incredible he will set Ligue 1 on fire. This kid is good. Believe me. If you support him, Marseille take back over.
‘Great coach in RDZ [De Zerbi]. Big conkers to take Greenwood.’
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