Joey Barton has praised Marseille’s decision to sign Mason Greenwood, believing England would have won Euro 2024 with the 22-year-old on Gareth Southgate’s team.
Greenwood arrived in Marseille on Wednesday evening to complete his transfer from Manchester United, where a €31.6 million (£26.7 million) deal was agreed earlier this month.
The attacker spent last season on loan at Spanish club Getafe after United chose not to recall him to Erik ten Hag’s first-team squad following his arrest in January 2022 for attempted rape, controlling conduct, and violence.
Greenwood’s charges were withdrawn in February 2023, and before the Premier League team faced significant criticism over his possible comeback, Greenwood was contemplating rejoining Erik ten Hag’s team.
The mayor of the city, Benoit Payan, expressed disapproval of Marseille’s signing of Greenwood, saying the team would be “covered in shame” if the United forward signed.
However, Marseille has decided to move forward with the transfer, and Barton, who played for the French team for a season on loan, believes Greenwood will succeed under Roberto De Zerbi.
‘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.’