Mason Greenwood has released a statement after the announcement of his exit from Manchester United.
Greenwood has been suspended by United since January 2022 after he was arrested and subsequently charged by Manchester Police with attempted rape, controlling behaviour and assault.
All charges against Greenwood were dropped in February, with the Crown Prosecution Service stating that ‘in this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction’.
United conducted their own internal investigation over Greenwood and reports last week had claimed that the club were preparing to reintegrate the forward to Erik ten Hag’s squad.
However, United faced strong backlash over the idea of Greenwood’s return and announced on Monday afternoon that the player, who has been with the club since the age of six, will leave Old Trafford.
Mason Greenwood’s full statement:
” I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me because of what they have seen and heard on social media, and I know people will think the worst.
I was brought up to know that violence or abuse in any relationship is wrong, I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges. However, I fully accept I made mistakes in my relationship, and I take my share of responsibility for the situations which led to the social media post.
I am learning to understand my responsibilities to set a good example as a professional footballer, and I’m focused on the big responsibility of being a father, as well as a good partner. Today’s decision has been part of a collaborative process between Manchester United, my family and me.
The best decision for us all, is for me to continue my football career away from Old Trafford, where my presence will not be a distraction for the club. I thank the club for their support since I joined aged seven. There will always be a part of me which is United.
I am enormously grateful to my family and all my loved ones for their support, and it is now for me to repay the trust those around me have shown. I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch“.