Roberto De Zerbi has responded to backlash from Tottenham supporters for his Mason Greenwood comments in November last year
Roberto De Zerbi has issued an apology for any offence caused by his past remarks about Mason Greenwood. The newly-appointed Tottenham head coach previously worked alongside Greenwood while in charge of Marseille before departing the club earlier this year.
His recent appointment in north London to succeed Igor Tudor prompted a furious response from supporters due to his past defence of Greenwood. The former Manchester United forward was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour in 2022.
The following year, those charges were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service. Greenwood, who denied the charges, has since rebuilt his football career at Marseille and was a consistent starter under De Zerbi during the Belgian's spell in charge.
Last year, De Zerbi maintained Greenwood was a 'good guy' while claiming he had paid a 'heavy price' for the backlash he received after being charged.
Greenwood's transfer to Marseille in 2024 triggered significant controversy in France but De Zerbi stood by him throughout his time at the helm of the club. After being unveiled as Tottenham's new manager, he faced fierce criticism from multiple fan groups over his previous statements regarding Greenwood.
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De Zerbi has now apologised, stating in his first interview as Spurs manager: "I have never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women, or violence against anyone more broadly.
"In my life, I've 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 that I'm not the kind of person who makes compromises to win more games or to win an extra title. I'm sorry if I offended anyone's feeling with this subject matter.
"I have a daughter and I'm very sensitive to these things, and 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."
De Zerbi had previously revealed he was 'saddened' by the manner in which Greenwood was depicted in England following his charge in 2022.
"He's a good guy, he paid a heavy price for what happened, a very heavy price," the former Marseille boss stated back in November.
"He has found the right environment for him. We have lent him a hand and given him affection. He's a little bit introverted but I know him and his family. It saddens me what happened in his life, because I know a totally different person than the one who was described in England."