Marcelo Paz hails Memphis's bond with Corinthians, eyes striker's future | OneFootball

The relationship Memphis Depay has built with Corinthians became a topic once again this Tuesday (25). Marcelo Paz, the club’s executive football director, commented on the Dutch forward’s connection with Timão and said he believes the No. 10 has found at Parque São Jorge a different meaning compared to the other clubs he played for during his career.

In an interview with Metrópoles 90 Minutos, Marcelo Paz spoke about the player’s current moment after renewing his contract. For the executive, even after spells at major European football clubs, Memphis has developed a special bond with Corinthians and shows a desire to make history wearing the black-and-white shirt.

Photo: Rodrigo Gazzanel/Agência Corinthians

“He played for great clubs, but this is the club where he found the most meaning. He really wants to make history. And he will make history with this group of players—I want to emphasize the collective. With a talented player like him, that possibility of success increases,” Marcelo Paz said.

Before arriving at Parque São Jorge, Memphis built most of his career in European football. The Dutchman played for PSV, Manchester United, Lyon, Barcelona, and Atlético de Madrid before arriving in Brazil in September 2024.

Marcelo Paz’s statement comes just a few days after Corinthians and Memphis concluded a long negotiation over the forward’s stay. The new deal was made official last week and runs until July 2028. The agreement went through different stages before being finalized, but it kept the player as one of the main pieces of the club’s sporting plans.

In addition to the Dutchman’s connection with the club, Marcelo Paz also recently highlighted that the atmosphere between Memphis and the board remains positive. According to the executive, the player maintains a good relationship with president Osmar Stabile and has returned to the daily routine at CT Joaquim Grava integrated with his teammates and the team’s activities.

On the field, Memphis has already returned to playing an important role after his time away. Last Thursday (20), the forward returned against Rosario Central in the Copa Libertadores round of 16 and was directly involved in the goal that secured a 1-0 win and Corinthians’ qualification for the quarterfinals. The Dutchman’s free kick ended with Breno Bidon scoring.

On Sunday (23), Memphis also got minutes against Coritiba in the Brazilian Championship. The forward is still regaining rhythm after his period without playing and remains one of Fernando Diniz’s main options for the rest of the season.

Corinthians’ next match will be a derby. On Sunday (30), Timão host Santos at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) at Neo Química Arena for the 25th round of the Brazilian Championship. Sitting 10th in the standings, the team is looking for a win to move up the table and get closer to the top spots.

Corinthians News

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