Greenwood breaks his silence on Man Utd exit

Marseille have signed striker Mason Greenwood from Manchester United, the Ligue 1 side announced on Thursday, despite the objection of some of the French club's fans.

The 22-year-old, who has played once for England, was suspended in January 2022 by Manchester United following allegations of attempted rape and sexual assault but prosecutors dropped charges in February 2023. He spent last season on loan at Getafe in La Liga.

"Obviously, I am aware of this debate and I understand the question. I do not wish to enter into any controversy. I already had the opportunity to express myself on this subject last year, it is now behind us," he began.

"With my partner, we rebuilt ourselves together, as a couple, we have just spent a year in Madrid. We have been together since we were 15, 16 years old, today we have a beautiful little girl who has just celebrated her first birthday.

The southern club, eighth in Ligue 1 last season, said their new striker will wear the number 10 shirt but did not specify the length of his contract or mention any fee to Manchester United.

Before the transfer became official, Marseille's left-wing mayor Benoit Payan told French media: "I don't want my club to be covered by shame." Greenwood has always denied the allegations.

"I am now looking towards the future and I am only focused on Olympique de Marseille and on our new life, together, in Marseille," Greenwood concluded.

His arrival in Marseille comes the day after the official departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gabon international who was Marseille's top scorer last season.

Marseille face Sunderland in a pre-season friendly on August 3 in Bradford, where Greenwood was born. If he plays it could be his first game in England since he was arrested in January 2022 following allegations made against him.