LONGORIA REVEALS REASON FOR CONSULTING MOTHER AHEAD OF GREENWOOD TRANSFER
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By: Fasasi Hammad
Marseille president Pablo Longoria has revealed that he consulted his mother before approving the signing of former Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood in 2024, calling it one of the toughest decisions of his career.
Speaking publicly for the first time about Greenwood’s arrival at the Ligue 1 club last July, Longoria told The media that the move, which sparked widespread debate, followed extensive due diligence and personal reflection. He emphasized that he sought a perspective removed from football and commercial considerations.
Greenwood, once one of the Premier League’s brightest young talents, was suspended by Manchester United in January 2022 following his arrest on suspicion of attempted rape, assault, and coercive behaviour. Criminal charges were dropped in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew. The forward never played again for United and spent the 2023/2024 season on loan at Getafe in LaLiga before completing a permanent transfer to Marseille. Since joining, Greenwood has scored 33 goals in 54 appearances, becoming the club’s top scorer.
Longoria explained that he turned to his mother, Begona Longoria, a former Spanish prison system worker who received a state honour for her service, for advice.
He said, “For me, it’s correct to speak openly about it. Creating taboos in life is never positive. For us, it was a massive market opportunity from a sporting perspective, and we carefully analysed what really happened.
“With all the information, I called my mother and asked, ‘What would you do in my position?’ She said, ‘Do it.’ It was important because I wanted someone whose only incentive was the good of her son, not sporting considerations. That guidance was crucial for me.”
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Acknowledging the criticism that followed Greenwood’s signing, Longoria insisted he is at peace with the decision. “When you have the full information, you deal with it with normality,” he said. “Yes, there is criticism and potential reputational damage, but if you believe you are making the right decision with the right information, you have to stand by it. From that time, I sleep at night.”
The Marseille president also praised Greenwood’s performances on the pitch, noting that his defensive work and maturity matter as much as his goals. Greenwood, who has consistently denied the allegations against him, has said that leaving Manchester United was “the best decision for everyone” as he rebuilds his career away from England.
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