The former Manchester United striker was charged in 2022 with attempted rape, assault and controlling/coercive behavior. The following year, these charges were dropped by the prosecutor’s office. Greenwood, who denied the charges, then resumed his football career at Marseille, where he was a regular starter for Belgium under manager De Zerbi.
Last year, De Zerbi insisted that Greenwood was a “good person” but suggested he had paid a “heavy price” for the criticism he received after his indictment.
Greenwood’s move to Marseille in 2024 caused a huge controversy in France, but De Zerbi refused to criticize Greenwood during his time as club manager.
After being appointed as Tottenham’s new manager, he came under fire from several fan groups for his previous comments about Greenwood.
Dezerbi has since apologized and said in his first interview as Spurs head coach: “I didn’t want to minimize the issue of violence against women, or violence against anyone more broadly.
“All my life, I have always stood up for the weaker, the more vulnerable. I have always taken the stand to fight and stand by those most at risk.
“Those who know me well know that I’m not one to compromise to win more matches or win additional titles. I’m sorry if I offended anyone on this subject.
“I have a daughter and I’m very sensitive about these things and always have been. I hope that as time goes on, people get to know me better and understand that I didn’t mean to take an attitude in that moment.”
Mr De Zerbi previously said he was “sad” at how Mr Greenwood was being portrayed in England after he was charged in 2022.
“He is a good man. He has paid a high price for what happened. A very high price,” the former Marseille manager said in November.
“He found the right environment for him. We gave him help and love. He’s a bit of an introvert, but I know him and his family.
“I’m sad about what happened to his life, because I know a completely different person than the one described in England.”
Asked about the proposed deal for Greenwood before signing for Marseille, De Zerbi said: “Mason is a world-class player, but we haven’t scouted him yet.
“I don’t know what happened, but I’m not used to being involved in players’ private lives. If he comes here, I want him to know that I treat every player like a son. I can criticize them in private, but I will never attack them in public.”
