From Europe to the heart of Brazil! 🇧🇷✨
Dutch striker Memphis Depay has just dropped a bombshell: he believes more European football stars will be joining him in the Brazilian league before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 🌍⚽️
On Thursday, the 30-year-old forward held his first press conference as a player for Corinthians. While he kept mum on the exact reasons behind his move to South America, the excitement was palpable. \"This is bigger than football,\" Depay shared at the bustling NeoQuímica Arena. \"A lot of stars come from Brazil. It is the mecca of football. Kids in Europe look up to Brazil and the way you play and embrace life.\"
Depay, who inked a two-year deal with Corinthians, was unveiled to ecstatic fans on Wednesday evening. They had plenty to cheer about as their team secured a 3-1 victory over Juventude, advancing to the Brazilian Cup semifinals with a 4-3 aggregate score. 🏆🎉
It's not the first time European talent has graced Brazilian pitches. Remember Clarence Seedorf at Botafogo? Or Serbian legend Dejan Petković, who became a Flamengo hero? Even French star Dimitri Payet is currently showcasing his skills at Vasco da Gama. Could this be the start of a new trend?
Depay thinks so. \"It is a great moment to bridge that gap to the other side of the world,\" he said. \"We always come to take the Brazilian talents to Europe because they have something special. This league needs a light from the other side.\"
Fun fact: Did you know that, according to FIFA records, an average of 1,000 Brazilian players head to other countries every year, many landing in European clubs? 🌎✈️ Now, the tides might be turning!
Having not played since the European Championship in July, where the Netherlands were edged out by England in the semifinals, Depay is eager to get back into the rhythm. \"I need to have my rhythm back,\" he admitted. Regarding his national team prospects, he added, \"(Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman) will investigate this league and find out it is a competitive one.\"
Depay's decision was influenced by some familiar names. \"I received advice on coming to Brazil from Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, and even my personal chef, who is Brazilian,\" he laughed.
\"On the other side of the world, they don't know all this about Brazil; they just follow European clubs. It is time that they see,\" Depay emphasized. \"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.\"
Looks like Brazilian football is about to get even more exciting! Are you ready for this new era? 🌟🙌
Reference(s):
Depay says European players will follow him to Brazilian football
cgtn.com
