Gabriel Magalhães on following Corinthians, hails Memphis stay | OneFootball

Even far from Brazil due to playing in English football, Gabriel Magalhães keeps up his routine as a Corinthians fan. The Arsenal and Brazil national team center-back revealed that he tries to follow Timão’s matches and also celebrated Memphis Depay staying at Parque São Jorge.

In an interview with ESPN, the defender spoke about his relationship with the club he loves and highlighted the importance of the No. 10 for the black-and-white squad. Gabriel also said he is cheering for Corinthians’ Libertadores campaign.

Photo: Reproduction / Instagram

The center-back’s bond with Timão is not limited to statements. An open Corinthians supporter, Gabriel has already been seen attending matches as a fan and was at Neo Química Arena during the club’s 2025 Campeonato Paulista title win against Palmeiras.

Gabriel follows Corinthians even from England

Asked whether he is able to watch Corinthians’ matches, Gabriel said he follows the club whenever his professional routine allows. The time difference and training at Arsenal, however, make some matches harder to watch.

The defender also admitted he was upset with the team’s most recent match, but stressed that he is still following Timão and said he is especially cheering for the Libertadores.

“Yes, I follow all the matches. In fact, yesterday I was angry, but I’ve been following all the matches, yes. Sometimes the match is very late and then there’s training the next day, but I’m definitely cheering a lot now for the Libertadores.”

This Wednesday (16), Corinthians have precisely a decisive match in the continental competition. The team hosts Estudiantes at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Neo Química Arena in the second leg of the quarterfinals. Since the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, a win sends Timão to the semifinals, while another draw takes the tie to penalties.

Center-back celebrates Memphis staying

Next, Gabriel Magalhães spoke about Memphis Depay. The Brazil international celebrated the Dutchman staying and said Corinthians need a player with the characteristics and importance of the No. 10.

Gabriel also linked Memphis’ decision to stay at the club with the meaning of wearing the black-and-white shirt. For the center-back, everything the forward went through during the period of uncertainty over his future helped him understand what Corinthians represents.

“Very happy, very happy that he stayed. Corinthians need a player like him and I think that, because of everything he went through, everything that happened, him not renewing and in the end it working out, I think he really knows what it means to be Corinthians. I, as a fan, know what it means to be Corinthians, but he plays for Corinthians, so I’m very happy that he was able to stay.”

Gabriel’s relationship with Timão

Gabriel Magalhães’ closeness to Corinthians has already produced several moments over the last few years. Even while building his professional career far from Parque São Jorge, the defender has never hidden his support for the club.

One of the standout moments happened in March 2025. Taking advantage of a period in Brazil during the FIFA international window, the center-back attended the Campeonato Paulista final against Palmeiras in person.

Gabriel was in the North Stand of Neo Química Arena and watched the goalless draw that confirmed Corinthians’ state title. On that occasion, the defender celebrated the trophy with the fans, ending a six-year title drought for the club’s professional men’s team.

Now, from afar, Gabriel turns his attention to another decisive match at Corinthians’ home. With Timão seeking a place among the final four in the Libertadores, the Arsenal player made it clear that he will once again be cheering for the club.

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