29 February 2024 , 13:23
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Javier Tebas has insisted he wants Mason Greenwood to stay in Spain - and “does not care” about his past.
Manchester United forward Greenwood, 22, is on a season-long loan at Getafe after charges including attempted rape and assault were dropped in February last year. United’s new shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has hinted that Greenwood might still have a future at Old Trafford even though fans launched a fierce campaign against him ever playing for the club again.
Barcelona are believed to be interested in Greenwood and Tebas made it clear that they are not interested in the controversy or any potential reputation damage caused to La Liga. La Liga president Tebas, talking at the Financial Times Business of Football summit, said: “Greenwood was not condemned, so I don’t care.
“I’m a lawyer. For someone that has come out of a legal case innocent, there’s nothing to say. I think it’s good because he’s another great player.
“Maybe the circumstances have made it easier for him to come but he’s a great player and I have got no other comments to make.
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“He’s doing really well at Getafe as a player and I hope he continues to be successful and he continues to stay in Spanish football because that’s always good for us.”
Mason Greenwood has scored five La Liga goals this season (Getty Images)
Javier Tebas has insisted he wants Mason Greenwood to stay in Spain (Ben McShane/Getty Images)England star Jude Bellingham was last month was accused of making an insult on the pitch when Real Madrid played Getafe. La Liga launched an investigation, used a lip reader but no action was taken against Bellingham.
Tebas also drew comparisons to Ukraine striker Roman Zozulya - who plays for Rayo Majadahonda - who was accused of links to a neo Nazi group but was allowed to play despite public outcry.
Tebas added: “A reputation means you shouldn’t accept a legal decision? He was innocent and wasn’t condemned. We can’t be judges for everything. If we did that, we’d have no teams.
“When someone isn’t condemned, what should we have done? This is what courts exist for. It is not up to me to know his case in detail. He is just another player.
“La Liga investigated Bellingham and let’s see what happens. It is not the first time we have done a lip-reading investigation and maybe he didn’t say what we think.”
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