Memphis Depay Says European Players Will Follow Him To Brazilian Football

Nerlands striker Memphis Depay says he expects or European soccer players to join him in Brazilian league before 2026 World Cup.

30-year-old Depay on Thursday gave his first press conference as a player of Corinthians but didn't specify why he decided to come to South America.

Depay, who signed a two-year contract, h been introduced to Corinthians fans Wednesday evening before his new team's 3-1 win in a Brazilian Cup match against Juventude, which vanced hosts to semifinals.

“This is bigger than football,” Depay said at club's NeoQuimica Arena. “A lot of stars come from Brazil, big football players. It is mecca of football. Kids in Europe look up to Brazil and way you play and embrace life.”

Or European players who h spells at Brazilian clubs include Clarence Seedorf at Botafogo; Serbian Dejan Petkovic, who played for multiple clubs and remains a hero for Flamengo fans; and Frenchman Dimitri Payet, currently at Vasco da Gama.

FIFA records show an aver of 1,000 Brazilian footballers leaving country every year, many of m to Europe.

“It is a great moment to bridge that gap to or side of world,” striker ded. “We always come to take Brazilian talents to Europe because y have something special. This league needs a light from or side.”

Depay hasn't played since European Championship in July. Dutch were kcked out by England in semifinal.

“I need to have my rhythm back,” Depay said when asked wher playing regularly in Brazil was key for his plans to play for his national team. “(Nerlands coach Ronald Koeman) will investigate this league and find out it is a competitive one.”

Depay said he received vice on coming to Brazil from Neymar, Vinicius Júnior and his personal chef, who is Brazilian.

“On or side of world y don't kw all this (in Brazil), y just follow European clubs. It is time that y see. Brazilians have something special, I think league will shine to or side of world. It is time to show its potential, I think it will happen in next few years,” Depay said.

Asked persistently about his reasons to come to Brazil, he replied: “It is a decision that is moved by a lot of force behind it. It goes beyond my understanding. I cant express how I feel w.”

Depay h spells at Manchester United, Lyon and Barcelona before joining Atletico Mrid.

Corinthians is fighting to avoid relegation in Brazilian league, with 13 rounds remaining. It is in semifinals of Brazilian Cup and in quarterfinals of Copa Sudamericana, South America’s second most prestigious club tournament.

Dutch striker will wear jersey . 94 in Brazilian league, in a reference to year he was born, and . 7 in Copa Sudamericana.