Roberto De Zerbi has apologised over previous comments made about Mason Greenwood in his first interview as Tottenham Hotspur boss.
The Italian defended ex-Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood last November, insisting that the Marseille forward was a “good guy” and had paid a “heavy price” over criticism he received.
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Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 in suspicion of rape and assault.
The 24-year-old was further arrested in February 2022 on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats to kill.
Greenwood was charged in October that year with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour, and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, charges the player denied.
The charges were dropped in February 2023.
The player’s move to Marseille from United in 2024 was a major controversy in France, but De Zerbi refused to criticise Greenwood during his time in charge.
What did De Zerbi say?
“Mason is a world-class player, but we have not recruited him yet. I don’t know what happened, but I am not used to get involved in my players’ private life,” De Zerbi said ahead of the proposed deal to sign Greenwood.
“But if he comes here, you have to know that I treat all my players like my sons. I can tell them off in private, but I would never attack them in public.”
In November 2025, De Zerbi continued: “He’s a good guy, he paid a heavy price for what happened, a very heavy price.
“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.”
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De Zerbi was relieved of his duties as Marseille boss in February following an embarrassing 5-0 Le Classique defeat to rivals PSG.
He returned to management with Spurs earlier this week, succeeding Igor Tudor in the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium dugout.
However, the appointment was criticised by quarters of the fanbase owing to his comments during his time as Marseille boss.
Spurs fan group Women of the Lane called out the club for bringing in De Zerbi, stating it was “not an appointment Tottenham Hotspur should make”.
Tackling the controversy head on, De Zerbi was asked about what he said during his first interview as Spurs boss.
De Zerbi apologises for comments
To which he remarked: “There are fans with concerns about comments you made while coaching at Marseille. Is there anything you would like to say to them?”
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“I would like to answer your question in Italian because I want to be clear,” De Zerbi outlined in order for his comments not to be lost in translation.
“I have never wanted to downplay the issue of violence against women, or violence against any 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 know 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 feelings with this subject matter. I have a daughter and I’m very sensitive to these things, as I always have been.
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“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 has taken over with the north London side mired in a relegation dogfight.
The club sit just one point above 18th-placed West Ham owing to a 13-game winless run.
And De Zerbi’s first game in charge of Spurs takes place next weekend when they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The 46-year-old’s first home match comes on April 18th when his former side, Brighton, make the trip to the capital.