Corinthians vice mocks buzz around Memphis Depay's new song | OneFootball

Corinthians vice-president Armando Mendonça gave an interview to ESPN Brasil and commented on the reaction to the release of the song – Don’t Panic – by forward Memphis Depay, released on the night of last Friday (21). In it, the Dutchman makes veiled references related to Alvinegro’s political situation, and Parque São Jorge appears in flames at the end of the video clip.

Although he did not mention him directly, the executive mocked the new song by Corinthians’ No. 10 by citing the classic “The Girl from Ipanema” by Vinícius de Moraes: “Toquinho made a song for Corinthians, Vinícius de Moraes made a beautiful song for Helô Pinheiro, ‘The Girl from Ipanema.’ Corinthians got a song from a rapper who was hired to play football and will be held accountable for that,” he said.

Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In his new song, Memphis Depay says he met “a vice-president who is now his enemy.” In December last year, after winning the Copa do Brasil against Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã Stadium, Armando Mendonça argued with a fan on social media, claiming he had ‘given the Copa do Brasil title’ to Corinthians. He even had to answer for the act before the club’s Ethics Committee.

“Corinthians is bigger than anyone. As an executive, I will defend the institution and those who work for its benefit. Like it or not,” the executive added.

It is worth noting that the vice-president is a defendant in the São Paulo courts for the alleged crimes of misappropriation, aggravated and repeated, in relation to the case involving Nike sports equipment, a Corinthians partner since 2003. In a statement in the early hours of the morning, the Corinthians forward, who recently renewed his contract until July 2028, said the song is just “art” and urged fans to be mindful regarding the protest scheduled for this Saturday morning (22) at Parque São Jorge.

Memphis Depay’s statement about the new song

See Memphis Depay’s statement below:

Dear Corinthians fans,

I am now seeing the huge reaction to my art in the form of music that has just been released.

I want to tell you that this was made several months ago and is just art.

I wrote ‘Don’t Panic’ sometime in April, four months ago. As an artist, I use my pen to express my feelings, whether dreams or nightmares.

I deeply love Corinthians and love everyone who wants what is best for this beautiful club.

I understand tomorrow’s [Saturday’s] protests, and everyone has the right to protest, but please do not misunderstand the message.

I am totally against any kind of violence. I hope it will be a peaceful protest, where everyone can calmly express what they think.

About the song, I insist: it is just art!

I love you all. Go, Corinthians!

Renewal saga

On August 11, Corinthians announced that it would not renew the No. 10’s contract, citing “financial health” issues. The news that he would not stay generated a negative reaction among the fans, which increased pressure on president Osmar Stabile, who shortly afterward reversed course and talks with the player and his representatives resumed. Last Monday (17), the Advisory Council ratified his contract renewal with Timão and, the following day, the club from Parque São Jorge officially extended his deal until July 2028. To stay at the club, he reduced his salary and gave up some perks, such as bonuses for goal contributions.

Memphis Depay’s numbers for Corinthians

Signed in September 2024 after not having his contract renewed by Atlético de Madrid of Spain, Memphis Depay arrived at Corinthians and immediately played a key role in the team’s surge in the previous Brazilian Championship campaign (from the relegation zone to the Libertadores qualifiers), scoring seven goals and providing one assist in 11 matches in the national tournament.

Last season and at the start of this one, he was decisive in winning the Campeonato Paulista (2025), Copa do Brasil (2025) and Supercopa do Brasil (2026), tallying two assists in those finals and playing an important role in the earlier knockout rounds. In a Corinthians shirt, he has 20 goals and 16 assists in 80 matches – 41 wins, 18 draws and 21 losses – a 58.23% success rate.

Before playing for Atlético de Madrid of Spain and Corinthians, he had spells at PSV in the Netherlands – where he came through the youth ranks – Manchester United (England), Lyon (France) and Barcelona (Spain). He is the fifth-highest foreign scorer for Timão, behind Romero (67), Guerrero (54), Tevez (46) and Herrera (22).

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