Memphis Depay, who recently signed for Serie A side SC Corinthians from Atletico Madrid, said that he expects more European footballers to follow him to the Brazilian league before the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The 30-year-old Dutch forward moved to Corinthians on a free transfer after his Atletico contract expired. After signing a two-year contract with the Brazilian side, Depay was introduced to the fans on Wednesday.
Speaking in his first press conference as a Corinthians player on Thursday at the club’s NeoQuimica Arena stadium, Depay 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.”
“It is a great moment to bridge that gap to the other side of the world. We always come to take Brazilian talents to Europe because they have something special. This league needs a light from the other side,” he added.
Only a few European players ply their trade in the Brazilian Serie A, including Denmark’s Martin Braithwaite (Gremio), France’s Dimitri Payet (Vasco Da Gama), and former Newcastle United player Jamal Lewis of Northern Ireland (Sao Paulo).
Meanwhile, more than a thousand Brazilian footballers leave their country each year for foreign shores, mainly Europe.
“Welcome to Brazil” – Neymar Jr sends message to Memphis Depay after the latter’s Corinthians move
Memphis Depay’s move to Corinthians has been a source of joy for all Brazilian football fans, and the country’s national team star Neymar Jr also chimed in with a welcoming message to the Dutch forward.
In an Instagram story, Neymar wrote (in Portuguese, via Sportskeeda):
“It’s really cool that this guy is going to play for Brazil… may more and more stars of this level come to Brazilian football. Welcome to Brazil brother, enjoy my country.”
Memphis Depay, who has not played a competitive match since the European Championship in July, will be expected to make his Corinthians debut on Sunday in the match against Botafogo
