The Brazilian media have already made their mind up about Memphis Depay following his shock move to Corinthians.
Depay, 30, made the move from Europe to South America in September following frustrating spells at Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
The former Manchester United forward signed a two-year deal at Corinthians, and despite the wages being significantly less, Depay revealed during a press conference in September that his decision was “bigger than football”.
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“It is a decision that is moved by a lot of force behind it,” explained Depay in September.
“It goes beyond my understanding. I cannot express how I feel now.”
But this was far from a fairytale move from the outside. The club have not won a title for five years, and they have debts of almost ($400m) according to AP.
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The club’s president, Augusto Melo, was embroiled in a political crisis. But Depay seemed to thrive in the chaos.
The Brazilian outfit avoided relegation, and a run of nine consecutive wins allowed them to qualify for next year’s Copa Libertadores.
The Dutchman has scored seven goals in 11 Serie A matches, which has impressed the Corinthians fans and Brazilian media.
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“I’ve said from the beginning. I can bring my experience, my talents, and I can inspire the team to fight for something,” Depay told journalists after scoring in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Bahia.
“Otherwise, I wouldn’t have come.
“There are many places where you can get a big salary. But this was a challenge for me, it really spoke to me.”
The Brazilian press have waxed lyrical about the Netherlands international.
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AP wrote: “The most popular soccer player in Brazil today didn’t start off on the sandy beaches of tropical Rio de Janeiro or kicking a ball barefoot on mud fields around Sao Paulo. He grew up in a cold, damp and bucolic Dutch village of Moordrecht.”
Depay has become familiar with Brazilian culture and has been pictured attending samba events linked to Corinthians’ ultra groups.
“Memphis, beyond his skills and international fame, brought us experience and goals,” Corinthians soccer executive Fabinho Soldado told AP.
“And he also gave us his big personality. He made Corinthians be seen worldwide, he is a Dutch national team player, after all.
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“He has also blended very well with Brazilian culture, so people feel closer to him.”
Topics: Memphis Depay
Luke Davies