The new reinforcement for Corinthians, Memphis Depay, was officially presented this Thursday (12) at CT Joaquim Grava.
The Dutch forward, who was celebrated by more than 45 thousand black-and-white fans before the match against Juventude on the night of this Wednesday (11), signed a contract with Timão until 2026. The player’s salary will be approximately R$ 3 million per month.
Depay wore jersey number 94, handed over by president Augusto Melo. He will use this number in the Campeonato Brasileiro and will wear jersey number 7 in the Copa Sul-Americana.
In his first interview at his new home, Memphis talked about the reasons that made him accept Corinthians’ invitation.
“I crossed the world to play in a place that we from Europe do not know much about. I grew up in the Netherlands, with African roots, played in many teams and thought: what can I do to be happier? I believe everything in my life has a purpose. Honestly, I am here for Corinthians. The energy I felt, from the club’s efforts, from the fans, was something I have never seen before. My heart rejoiced. Here is the Mecca of football. The beautiful game is here. It’s not just football, it’s much greater than football,” said Depay, who also mentioned who influenced his decision to play in Brazil.
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Memphis Depay is presented to the Corinthians fans at Neo Química Arena
“I can’t explain what I feel, but my purpose is to be here in Brazil. I have many Brazilian friends. They ask: everyone here wants to go to Europe, why do you want to come here? And I reply that I don’t know. I talked to Neymar about the culture, about Brazil. I’m a person who looks at myself and asks what I feel. It’s something that is inside me, and I follow what the voice inside me says. When I set my goals and purposes after the Eurocup, I felt at peace and made the decision. One of the players who inspired me the most was Ronaldo, who played for PSG, Real Madrid, and the Brazilian National Team. Much more than that, for me it goes beyond. Brazilian football has inspired people all over the world,” Depay said.
Depay cites inspiration from Ronaldo and praises Brazilian football | CNN SPORTS
Regarding his first contact with the Corinthians fans at Neo Química Arena, Depay expressed surprise and emotion at the warm reception.
“I was thrilled, I didn’t expect so much. I didn’t have that expectation. That warmed my heart. I learned what it meant for those people that I came here. I felt at home. The Brazilian culture is quite similar to African culture. My father is from Ghana. The pressures of life, the happiness, so when I entered the stadium, it was something completely different that I have never seen in my life,” revealed Memphis.
Depay’s debut with the Corinthians jersey does not have a defined date yet, but, as far as the Dutch star is concerned, it will not be long before coach Ramón Díaz can count on him on the field.
“I am coming from Europe; I want to be ready as soon as possible, I think it will be soon. It’s an important moment for the club. Since yesterday, all I want is to go onto the field, play, and compete to meet the expectations of the fans,” added jersey number 94.