Team that Mason Greenwood REJECTED previously picked sex offender Premier League star after jail for sick assault
A TEAM rejected by Mason Greenwood previously picked a Premier League star after he was convicted of sexual assault.
Striker Marlon King joined the Jamaican national team in 2004 following several spells behind bars and continued to play for the club after becoming a registered sex offender.
King, who has a history of drink-driving, threatening behaviour and criminal damage, was in 2009 locked up for “decking” a woman who objected to him groping her bottom in a nightclub the year before.
He punched the 20-year-old in the face, causing a broken nose and split lip, and was jailed for 18 months.
After his release, King twice played for Jamaica in 2012 before being suspended from the next two World Cup qualifiers for breaking curfew.
He announced his retirement from football a short time later.
King, who also played for teams including Nottingham Forest, Watford, Birmingham City and Sheffield United, scored 162 goals throughout his British career.
The 42-year-old, who was on the Sex Offenders’ Register for seven years, netted a further 24 for Jamaica, nicknamed the Reggae Boyz.
Greenwood rejected a similar switch to the Caribbean – even though he is unlikely to ever be selected for England by Gareth Southgate again, The Sun understands.
The Man United ace, 21, has not given up on his Three Lions dream, despite falling out with the England manager.
He is waiting to hear if The Red Devils will re-integrate him after charges of attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour were dropped last month.
Greenwood qualifies for Jamaica via his mother’s side, and rules state he could be eligible to play for them in September.
Jamaica Football Federation boss Dennis Chung said: “He is only 21 and so has a very bright future ahead of him and I think he will add value to any team he is on.”
However, Greenwood is keen to resurrect his England career after making his debut at 18 away to Iceland in 2020.
The next day he and team-mate Phil Foden were sent home after smuggling two women into the team hotel in breach of Covid rules.
Greenwood, who has scored 22 goals in 83 matches, has not played for his country since.
A source said: “He is clinging to the hope of playing again at the highest level.
“But Southgate places a great deal of importance on not only a player’s talent, but how the squad gels.”