FULL90

After concluding their six-and-a-half month investigation, Manchester United have announced Mason Greenwood is to leave the club. In a club statement, United detailed the results of their internal investigation, stating: "Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material posted online did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged. That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for”. The statement continued: "All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United. It has therefore been mutually agreed that it would be most appropriate for him to do so away from Old Trafford, and we will now work with Mason to achieve that outcome." The official press release comes after reports on Saturday that United were considering a U-turn on Greenwood's future, having initially intended to reintegrate him into their first-team squad, sparked backlash amongst supporters. In Greenwood’s statement, the Manchester United forward said: "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”. Now, the football world awaits confirmation of Greenwood’s next steps in the professional game, and conversations will undoubtedly be held upon the approach of Manchester United and any future clubs interested in the player.

With Neymar’s move to Al-Hilal edging closer, discourse around his legacy has started to make the rounds again. Once destined to carry the mantle after the Messi and Ronaldo era, the Brazilian superstar has decided to effectively end his European playing career at the age of 31. No Ballon d’Ors. No significant international trophies. Just one UCL. It’s easy to understand why some have started to label the footballing legacy of Neymar as a player who never succeeded the heights that they were destined to reach. Many have even thrown names such as Mohamed Salah, Thomas Muller and Angel Di Maria in discussions of those who have a ‘greater legacy’ than Neymar. But is that fair? Should legacies be decided by team trophies or should they be based on individual performances and footballing prowess? Where do you believe Neymar ranks amongst the all-time greats? Let us know in the comments.

Rolls-Royce Footballer.

Long Season Ahead.

We’ll be coming back to this…

Mikel Arteta for British GQ.

If you were Mbappé, do you accept?

Global.

We’ll start: Jack Wilshere.

In an interview with Gary Neville and The Overlap, Dele Alli spoke candidly about his battle against addiction, childhood trauma and mental health struggles. Whilst his words may come as a surprise to football fans, they ought to act as a catalyst for reflection by those who have mistreated Dele, and a wide host of other players, over recent years. The commodification of the footballer is something that has continued to grow alongside the rise of media. Bad performances automatically linked to groundless ‘attitude problems’. Consistent attacks on social media after poor results. Harmful narratives creating views of players that are independent of their real personalities and backgrounds. By speaking out like this, Dele Alli has illuminated the struggles and trauma that many footballers, and ordinary people alike, carry with them at all times. It’s easy to see professional football as an act of theatre, games conducted on stages with thousands in attendance, and players merely cogs in wider systems. However, what Dele’s interview spotlights is that we can never truly understand what happens behind the curtains. Footballers are real people with real stories. From sexual abuse at a young age, to recent addiction problems and thoughts of retiring aged just 24, Dele’s journey to the professional game deserves nothing short of the upmost respect and understanding, not criticism. Importantly, this is a reminder that these values ought to extend beyond football; even without the intense pressures of the professional game, ordinary people can share the same experiences and feelings. Getting help should never be construed as a weakness, and empathy must be seen as a virtue. Huge respect to Dele Alli for voicing his story, and let’s hope his bravery can spark the much-needed dialogues around addiction, mental health and media scrutiny that surrounds the beautiful game.

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha and rapper Stormzy are close to becoming joint owners of non-league club AFC Croydon. The pair are part of a three-man consortium, along with Palace’s former head of player care, Danny Young, that has agreed a deal to acquire the assets of the south London side. AFC Croydon announced this morning that contracts had been exchanged with the existing ownership to acquire the assets of the club and the consortium “will own, operate and develop their childhood hometown football club.” A statement added: “Whilst completion is subject to legislative and governance procedures, the three consortium members are excited about developing a community asset in the borough that gave them their own opportunities. They hope to take the entire community on this exciting journey with them.” Whilst born in Ivory Coast, Wilfried Zaha was raised in the borough of Croydon and has already been involved in community projects in the area through his own charitable foundation and an Academy, alongside Stormzy who also hails from Croydon and is said to be a long-time friend of Zaha. AFC Croydon were founded in 2012 after Croydon Athletic withdrew from the Isthmian League in the 2011-12 campaign and then folded. They finished 15th last season but are looking to progress under their star-studded new ownership. Big movements.