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Before the FIFA World Cup in 2026, Memphis Depay, a striker for the Netherlands, says he expects additional European footballers to come and play with him in the Brazilian league. In the inaugural press conference since becoming a Corinthians player on Thursday, the 30-year-old Depay did not provide a reason for his decision to travel to South America.
Depay, who inked a two-year deal, was presented to Corinthians supporters on Wednesday night prior to his new team's 3-1 victory over Juventude during a Brazilian Cup match, which sent the home team to the quarterfinals.
He said, “This is bigger than football. A lot of stars come from Brazil, big football players. It is the mecca of football. Kids in Europe look up to Brazil and the way you play and embrace life.”
Other European players who spent stints at Brazilian teams include Frenchman Dimitri Payet, who is currently at Vasco da Gama; Serbian Dejan Petkovic, who performed for several clubs and is still revered by Flamengo supporters; and Clarence Seedorf at Botafogo.
The former Manchester United superstar added, “It is a great moment to bridge that gap to the other side of the world,” the striker added. “We always come to take the Brazilian talents to Europe because they have something special. This league needs a light from the other side.”
When asked if playing frequently in Brazil was essential to his aspirations of playing for his country, Depay answered. He said, “I need to have my rhythm back. “(Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman) will investigate this league and find out it is a competitive one.”
“I think it will happen in the next few years” : Memphis Depay
Depay claimed that his personal cook, who is Brazilian, Vinicius Júnior, and Neymar gave him guidance on travelling to Brazil.
The former Atletico Madrid striker said, “On the other side of the world they don’t know all this (in Brazil), they just follow European clubs. It is time that they see. Brazilians have something special, I think the league will shine to the other side of the world. It is time to show its potential, I think it will happen in the next few years.”