Roberto De Zerbi was 'major attraction' for Mason Greenwood to join Marseille from Man Utd as ex-Brighton boss 'called him every day' during transfer negotiations

New Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi was reportedly a 'major attraction' for Mason Greenwood to leave Manchester United for the French side.

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• Greenwood swaps Man Utd for Marseille
• De Zerbi 'major attraction' in move
• Ex-Brighton boss called him daily before transfer

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The long-running Greenwood transfer saga came to an end last week when the forward left United for Marseille. And according to The Athletic, ex-Brighton boss De Zerbi played a big role in his transfer, with the Italian reportedly calling Greenwood and his father Andrew every day as the Ligue 1 side tried to land his signature.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite criticism from some Marseille fans over signing Greenwood – which stemmed from the one-time England international previously being accused of attempted rape, assault and coercive and controlling behaviour, before all charges were dropped – De Zerbi has stuck by the 22-year-old. Before Greenwood signed, he said: “What I can say is that once a player signs with Marseille, all the players, he becomes like a son to me and I will protect him from anyone. If I have to pull their ears or put him against the wall I will — but in front of people, I will defend him like a son.”

  says that De Zerbi's words 'resonated' with the former Getafe loanee, who later gave his approval for the transfer to Marseille.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Greenwood, who signed a five-year deal with Marseille for an initial fee of £23.3 million ($30m), was linked with Lazio, Barcelona, and Getafe but ended up leaving United for the Ligue 1 team. Last season on loan he scored 10 goals and bagged six assists in all competitions for Getafe.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Ahead of making his full debut with Marseille when the Ligue 1 season rolls round next month, Greenwood could feature in their pre-season friendlies against SC Toulon, Pau, Sunderland and Augsburg in the coming weeks.