Joey Barton says Mason Greenwood “deserves a chance to get on with his career” as the forward closes in on a move from Manchester United to Marseille.
Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour in October 2022 but the charges – which he denied – were dropped five months later after key witnesses withdrew their co-operation and new material came to light.
Having scored 10 goals in 36 games on loan to Getafe last season, the 22-year-old is now expected to join Marseille after flying into the French port city last night to complete a transfer that could see United net €30million including add-ons.
Barton played for Marseille on loan from QPR in the 2012-13 season and says the Ligue 1 giants have got a good player on their hands.
That is a great signing. 👌
The kid deserves a chance to get on with his career.
We all make mistakes.
Nobody’s perfect.
England would have won the Euro’s with this kid in the side. 🏴🏴🏴
He’s as good player. As any in that Euro’s squad. His behaviour and the public… https://t.co/Em8IEKq1lz
— Father Joseph Barton 🦁 (@Joey7Barton) July 17, 2024
He wrote on X: “That is a great signing. The kid deserves a chance to get on with his career.
“We all make mistakes. Nobody’s perfect.”
Barton, who has been out of work since being sacked by Bristol Rovers in October 2023, has regularly hit the headlines for his views on female pundits in football.
He claims England could have gone one step better at the European Championship had Gareth Southgate taken Greenwood.
He added: “England would have won the Euros with this kid in the side.
“He’s a good player. As any [sic] 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.”
Are Marseille fans happy?
There has already been a backlash to the possibility of Greenwood signing for Marseille with the city’s mayor saying it “goes against the values of OM” while a campaign with the hashtag ‘GreenwoodNotWelcome’ has also been launched.
But Barton says the one-time England international should be backed, and also praised the club’s new head coach Roberto De Zerbi for taking a chance on Greenwood.
He said: “I know the fans of OM love their club. This boy could be as good a player as any Englishman that has pulled on your jersey before.
“With your support he will set Ligue 1 on fire. This kid is good. Believe me. If you support him, OM take back over.
“Great coach in RDZ. Big conkers to take Greenwood.”
