Corinthians midfielder rues Memphis Depay exit, talks squad shield | OneFootball

On the night of next Tuesday (13), at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time, Corinthians will face Rosario Central of Argentina at Estadio Gigante de Arroyito in the first leg of the 2026 Conmebol Libertadores round of 16. In the first stage of the international competition, Alvinegro finished top of Group E with 11 points, while their opponent placed second in Group H with 13 points.

Midfielder Rodrigo Garro spoke to the press in a pre-match press conference and was asked about the departure of forward Memphis Depay, whose contract was not renewed, and detailed the process of shielding the squad from the situation. The Argentine also answered about the possibility of wearing the No. 10 shirt again, which had belonged to the Dutchman since the start of 2025, as well as giving his outlook on the clash in Rosario and the differences between playing with Pedro Raul and Yuri Alberto. Finally, Garro was also asked about a curious childhood story involving Timão’s rival on the following night.

Photo: Henrique Vigliotti/Central do Timão

Check out Rodrigo Garro’s answers to reporters in the press conference below:

Forward Memphis Depay’s departure

“Unfortunately, we won’t be able to have Memphis with us. Clearly, it’s a difficult situation that we can’t control, but that’s football, things happen. We as a group, we as leaders, have to try to protect the squad from these things. There are things we hear, things we see, unfortunately things reach us, but the priority has to be tomorrow’s game. The priority has to be to keep our minds focused on our objective, knowing that there are very important things ahead and that we dream of big things.”

Possibility of wearing the No. 10 shirt again after Memphis Depay’s departure

“But regarding shirt changes and those things, they’re things I haven’t thought about, they’re not in my head. Right now, actually, I’m focused on playing football, on trying to enjoy playing football. I know those things can come up, but as I said, they’re not things I’m thinking about, whether I wear the No. 8 shirt or the No. 10. I’m happy at Corinthians and I want to keep helping the team, no matter the number.”

Differences between playing with Pedro Raul and Yuri Alberto

“He (Pedro Raul) plays more in physical battles with the center-backs, while Yuri (Alberto) is a guy who attacks space more. So whether it’s Pedro or Yuri, they’re players with different characteristics, but both of them have the goal of helping the team, being their best version inside the club, inside Corinthians. I think Pedro is going to do a really good job.I’m very happy with his attitude toward the team and his sacrifice. I know it’s not easy to play in a position like the one he’s playing in, where the team’s main guy is Yuri. And for him to step into that role knowing what it represents,he took responsibility, he scored two goals in two games. I’m happy for him, for his personality, for his attitude, and I think time will also show that Pedro Raul is, to me, a great player.”

Outlook for the match + How much can the absences, including Memphis Depay’s departure, affect Corinthians against Rosario Central?

“I’m happy to be here in Argentina, to face an opponent like Central in my country. I think physically I’m well, the team is well. In Brazil you play a lot, all the time, but we’re doing good physical work. As for the absences, when the press conference started we had the news of Memphis’s departure. We know these are situations beyond our control, matters for the board. It ’s obvious that Memphis is a very important player for us, with incredible stature and quality, someone who helps the team a lot, but as I said, these are things we don’t control. Today we have to focus on the things we do control, which are on the pitch, and do our best, because I think that will lead us to achieving our objective.”

Expectations of facing Rosario with pressure from the opposing fans

“Yes, tomorrow’s game is one of great energy, great desire. I think these are the kinds of games we always prepare ourselves to play, a game with great responsibility, a game where there are many things at stake. But also one to enjoy, with responsibility, with commitment, and I think this group has that.A game where the fans, without a doubt, also play their part.I think we’re used to passionate supporters, to fans who back the team for 90 minutes. We play every home game with that kind of crowd.We know what that represents.So for us, this is normal.”

Is Corinthians finding a more ‘mature’ way to play?

“The playing system is very collective.Everyone moves, everyone plays, everyone asks for the ball, everyone marks, everyone runs.So the group and the team adapt to the characteristics of the player who is playing. Like you said, in the game against Inter (second leg of the Copa do Brasil round of 16, a 2-1 win, but eliminated on aggregate), we managed to take the advantage through a goal by Pedro.And in the game against Bragantino (in the Brasileirão, away from home, a 2-0 win) as well, from a cross by Matheuzinho, we managed to score the second goal.So that’s it, that’s why I say it’s collective. It’s not Yuri, it’s not Pedro, it’s not Garro.It’s a collective game in which everyone dedicates themselves to the team and to something bigger, which is Corinthians.”

Childhood story involving Rosario Central-ARG

“Yes, when I left home, I had a trial here to play for Newell’s.Unfortunately it didn’t happen, these are things in football that happen. After that I left and went to Messi’s foundation, and I’m also very grateful to the people who helped me at that time. Rosario only brings me memories of learning, of beautiful things I saw here.Many people helped me in this city, especially that Newell’s team, which helped me a lot.So I’m very grateful for that, very grateful for the things that happened and for the things that didn’t.But I left when I was very young, close to playing for Newell’s. Then I played at Messi’s foundation and after that I went to (Atlético) Rafaela.”

Rodrigo Garro’s numbers for Corinthians 

Signed in January 2024 after standing out for Talleres of Argentina, midfielder Rodrigo Garro has recorded 18 goals and 33 assists in 140 matches (113 as a starter), with 62 wins, 39 draws, and 39 losses in a Corinthians shirt. In his first season, he was crucial in the team’s surge in the Brazilian Championship (from the relegation zone to the Libertadores preliminary rounds — seventh place with 56 points), earning the distinction of top assist provider in that edition of the national competition (10) and a spot in ESPN Brasil’s Bola de Prata Best XI.

In the 2025 season, despite dealing with physical problems in his knee and calf, he was part of the Paulista Championship and Copa do Brasil title-winning squads against Palmeiras and Vasco da Gama, respectively. This year, he leads Timão in assists — three goals and 11 assists in 39 matches, also being part of the team that won the Supercopa do Brasil against Flamengo in Brasília.

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