Roberto De Zerbi apologises for Mason Greenwood comments in first Tottenham interview | OneFootball

Roberto De Zerbi has apologised for his comments surrounding Mason Greenwood and his past in a first Tottenham Hotspur interview since joining the club.

The Italian faced a backlash due to his stance on Greenwood during their time together at Marseille, having praised the former Manchester United attacker’s character.

In 2022, Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning bodily harm towards the same woman, though all charges were subsequently dropped in 2023, with the player denying any wrongdoing.

The former Brighton manager said Greenwood was a “good guy” and that he had paid a “heavy price,” adding: “It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described.”

In response to the criticism, including that of the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST), De Zerbi said: “I never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women or violence against anyone more broadly.

“In my life I have always stood up for those who are more vulnerable, more fragile. I’ve consistently fought and taken a stand to be on the side of those who are most at risk. Those of you who know me well will know I’m not the type of person who makes compromises to win more games or to win an extra title.

“I’m sorry if this offended anyone and their feelings with this subject matter – I have a daughter and I’m very sensitive to these things, and I always have been. I hope that over time people will get to know me better and will understand that at that moment I didn’t mean to take a stance.”

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De Zerbi has apologised for his comments on Mason Greenwood (REUTERS)

Spurs turned to De Zerbi after sacking interim head coach Igor Tudor last Sunday, with the club languishing in 17th place in the Premier League, just a point above the bottom three after a dismal season.

The 46-year-old also reiterated his long-term commitment to the club, even if Spurs drop down to the Championship: “I signed five years of contract because, for me, it is a big challenge and I will be the coach of Tottenham next season, no matter what.

“It’s a difficult moment for everyone at Tottenham but I think we have the right qualities to come out of this moment.

“I believe in the players. I think we have to remember who we are and who the players are, because we have very big players and we have to work on their confidence and qualities.”