Memphis Depay makes Corinthians debut

Dutch striker Memphis Depay, formerly of Barca and Atletico Madrid, made his debut in Brazil in a 3-0 win for his team Corinthians, although he did not score a goal.

Depay came on for Yuri Alberto 21 minutes into the second half and had an early chance to score after a pass from Peru's Carrillo, but the ball was deflected wide. In any case, Corinthians had the game well in hand from the outset and finished with Garro's goal and Angel Romero's brace.

At the end of the game, the Dutchman admitted to the media that he had not played with the "highest intensity" but said he would try to improve "as quickly as possible" to help the team.

The 30-year-old Depay, who signed a contract until the end of 2026 earlier this month, is Corinthians' big gamble to climb out of the relegation zone in the league, where they are 17th in a 20-team standings.

At his introductory press conference last week, the striker said Brazil was the "Mecca of football" and praised its beautiful and authentic play, as well as the energy of the fans.

The player is part of a raft of reinforcements announced in recent months that also includes Spain's Hector Hernandez, Peru's Andre Carrillo and Venezuela's Jose Martinez. They have plenty of work ahead of them if they are to overtake the league leaders, currently led by Botafogo and Palmeiras.

 

September 13, 2024