Memphis Depay speaks out after controversial swipe at Corinthians | OneFootball

This Saturday, Memphis Depay became involved in a controversy following a post on his Instagram profile. Some fans interpreted one of the shared images as a possible dig at Corinthians, the club the forward has played for since September 2024. In light of the backlash, the player decided to speak out publicly through his account on X.

The image that sparked debate shows an illustration of a man trapped on a tree branch, surrounded by animals such as a snake, two alligators, and a lion, symbolizing a difficult and hopeless situation. Next to the animals are phrases related to the work environment, such as “Stay at my job,” “switch to another job,” and “quit without a plan B.”

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Corinthians Agency

The post quickly gained major traction on social media, with several fans interpreting the content as an indirect criticism of Corinthians. In recent days, Memphis had already been the target of criticism, especially after choosing to undergo treatment for a muscle injury in the front of his right thigh — suffered at the end of March, against Flamengo.

In response, the number 10 used X (formerly Twitter) to clarify his position. In the lengthy text, he recalls his journey at the club, denies any lack of commitment with the World Cup in mind, and says he would like to be on the field in this Sunday’s derby, but will not be able to play due to “some mistakes” — read it in full at the end of the article.

Despite the controversies throughout his spell, Memphis played an important role in Corinthians’ recent achievements. Since arriving at the club, the forward has taken part in the winning campaigns of the 2025 Campeonato Paulista and Copa do Brasil, as well as the 2026 Supercopa do Brasil.

Without the player, who remains under treatment in the medical department, Corinthians take the field this Sunday to play the Derby against Palmeiras, valid for the 11th round of the Brazilian Championship. The match will be held at Neo Química Arena at 6:30 p.m.

Check out the text published by Memphis Depay on X:

I remember this moment as if it happened today! Purpose… that’s what I’m living. When you speak the truth about things that shouldn’t be spoken about, the attacks come. But I moved to Brazil and to Corinthians because that’s what my life’s Purpose decided. I can deal with accusations from the media, or from others who are using this moment to cancel me because there’s a World Cup coming up… but you are totally wrong! My priority is Corinthians, period, from the beginning, and that goes beyond the World Cup. So much wrong information gets out there and I have to stay quiet about it and watch while everyone gives their opinion about what you think or what you feel, that’s not healthy. I pushed to play tomorrow, but unfortunately it’s not possible because of some mistakes… This is painful and frustrating… But again, players cannot speak about it, yet they are the ones who take the blame. Wrong! You can’t just curse at players just because we are getting injured. We have to look deeper and ask questions. I’ve been here 19 months and I’m studying what Corinthians means and, day by day, I understand it better, but it’s only been 19 months, that’s not a long time. We need to take Corinthians to where it belongs, together… everyone! Competing for every title! Being as big as Corinthians is, we have to look with a muuuuch bigger vision. We have achieved beautiful things together, but that is not enough, not even close to what we could be capable of. Behind the scenes, we are working on several positive projects that I’m excited about for Brazil and for Corinthians! But many of you are focusing on money when you have no idea or details at all about this matter… that only brings negative energy. Whatever my purpose decides, I keep my head held high and my chest out. It’s just my Ashanti spirit that will never leave me. Tomorrow another victory against Palmeiras. If you’re not with us, you’re against us. Memphis.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.