Over the past few days, Olympique de Marseille (OM) has been at the center of turmoil due to rumors surrounding the potential signings of Mason Greenwood and Youcef Atal.
Both players, known for their talents, also bring controversies that have sparked outrage among Marseille supporters. Mason Greenwood, still under contract with Manchester United, has been involved in allegations of domestic violence. Meanwhile, Youcef Atal, currently a free agent, has faced criticism for comments inciting racial hatred.
OM’s transfer window has proceeded smoothly with the arrivals of Ismaël Koné and Lilian Brassier. However, the potential recruitments of Greenwood and Atal have caused a ripple effect among supporters, who vehemently oppose these players due to their controversial pasts.
Roberto De Zerbi, recently appointed as OM’s coach, addressed the issue during his introductory press conference. He carefully noted that Greenwood had not yet been signed, avoiding a direct stance on the matter. “Greenwood is a champion, an international-level player. I don’t know what happened in his private life. For me, when a player signs for the club, he becomes like my child. I will defend him publicly, even if I might scold him privately,” he stated.
Pablo Longoria, OM’s president, was also asked to comment on these rumors. Refusing to delve into individual cases, he preferred to emphasize the values that OM aims to uphold. “I don’t like to discuss individual cases because it would be disrespectful to players under contract with other clubs. OM should be a beacon of unity and values. Over the past year and a half, we have implemented one of the strongest social programs among European clubs. We invest in areas where football can make a difference: education, women’s football, and our foundation’s work,” he explained.
Longoria also stressed the importance of these values for all players joining OM. “Regardless of the player who comes to OM, they must share these values. OM is a very important club in this city, a symbol of unity. There’s no social class, no religion. We want OM to continue being this symbol of unity, where all players who come here share our vision,” he concluded.
“The behavior of Greenwood is indefensible, unacceptable. Hitting his wife… I have seen images that deeply shocked me. Treating his wife in such a manner is unworthy of a man, and he cannot have a place in this team. The values of OM and Marseille stand against such actions. It’s shameful. I will ask Pablo Longoria not to recruit Greenwood. I do not want my club to be associated with the shame of someone who abuses their spouse,” added Benoit Payan, the mayor of Marseille, who has openly opposed the recruitment of Youcef Atal as well
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