Memphis Depay, Brazil’s hottest footballer, didn’t emerge from the sun-soaked streets of Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo’s muddy fields.
Instead, he grew up within the chilly, quiet Dutch village of Moordrecht.
But when the 30-year-old striker shocked followers by leaving Europe for South America in September, it raised loads of eyebrows.
After irritating stints at Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, the place his abilities went underused, Depay may have simply joined one of many Champions League-bound golf equipment looking forward to his signature. So, why Brazil?
Why Corinthians, a debt-ridden Sao Paulo group, scuffling with relegation?
And why select a path that would complicate his World Cup hopes with the Netherlands?
“I don’t have the reply for that,” Depay admitted at his first Corinthians press convention. Yet, regardless of the uncertainty, he felt a deep connection to the Brazilian membership, which has struggled to win titles over the previous 5 years however has a historical past of glory.
And it’s been an ideal match. Depay’s management helped Corinthians surge from 18th to safe Copa Libertadores qualification after 9 straight wins within the Brazilian league.
He scored seven targets in 14 matches, together with a surprising bicycle kick of their 3-0 win at Gremio, securing a spot amongst Brazil’s footballing elite.
“I’ve said from the beginning: I bring experience, talent, and inspiration,” Depay mentioned after a dominant 3-0 win over Bahia. “This was a problem for me, and it spoke to me.”
Five of Depay’s seven league targets had been game-changers.
Two got here from free kicks, one from a long-range shot, and one other two had been calm finishes in entrance of aim – probabilities his teammates typically squandered earlier than his arrival.
Fans couldn’t assist however surprise how a lot sooner Corinthians may have turned their fortunes if Depay had joined earlier.
Despite ending seventh, 14 factors away from relegation, and 23 behind league champions Botafogo, Depay has received over followers throughout Brazil.
After an exciting 4-2 victory at Criciuma on Nov. 30, native supporters lined as much as snap pictures with the star, who patiently obliged. It’s grow to be an everyday prevalence since his arrival.
“I’ve never liked a Corinthians player before, but Memphis is different,” mentioned 11-year-old Palmeiras fan Miguel Fernandes. “I like doing his celebration – putting my fingers on my ears. I’d never get a Memphis headband because my dad wouldn’t approve, but he’s nice.”
Off the pitch, Depay’s connection to Brazil deepens. He’s been photographed in Sao Paulo’s favelas, bonding with locals and having fun with the colourful music scene.
He’s partnered with native rappers, attended samba occasions, and even publicly known as on Neymar to affix him in Brazil.
“Memphis brought us more than goals. He brought us his big personality and international fame,” Corinthians soccer govt Fabinho Soldado informed The Associated Press. “He has blended seamlessly into Brazilian culture, and people feel close to him.”
Depay, who beforehand performed for PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, and Lyon, says he’s by no means skilled a bond like this with followers.
He’s discovered their chants in Portuguese, celebrated with them after each win, and promised that is solely the start.
“South and Latin America have a different energy,” Depay mentioned after a win towards Bahia. “It’s more than football. The way people experience life is different here. You can’t compare it to European fans. I’m always excited to be on the pitch here.”
“I want to inspire people,” he added. “Whether I’m with politicians or people with fewer opportunities, just one hour of conversation can spark something.”
Yet, regardless of his success in Brazil, questions linger in regards to the Brazilian league’s competitiveness, and Depay hasn’t returned to the Netherlands nationwide group since his transfer.
As the second-leading scorer in Dutch historical past, Depay is aware of a World Cup qualifying marketing campaign may require lengthy flights to Europe. But for now, he’s content material to make his mark in South America.
“If the national team needs me, they know where to find me,” Depay mentioned, hinting that Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman may need to make the trek to Sao Paulo to observe him at Corinthians’ NeoQuimica Arena.
Corinthians followers are assured that Depay’s presence in Sao Paulo will encourage extra European gamers to comply with his lead and expertise the distinctive power of South American soccer.
Source: www.dailysabah.com