Memphis Depay apologises before reunion with Corinthians fans | OneFootball

Forward Memphis Depay used social media last Saturday, the 19th, to apologize to Corinthians fans for the penalty he missed against Estudiantes in midweek in the Copa Libertadores. Corinthians were trailing 1-0 when the Dutchman had the chance to equalize with the final kick of the game and take the battle for a place in the Copa Libertadores semifinals to a penalty shootout.

However, the player blasted his spot kick wide, leaving the team with no more chance to fight on. In the days following their elimination from the Copa Libertadores, fans went to the training center, spoke with the squad, demanded answers, and even called for Memphis to leave.

Corinthians face Fluminense this Sunday, the 20th, at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) at Neo Química Arena, in the 28th round of the Brazilian Championship. Given the events of recent days, Memphis will be one of the most heavily pressured players in the stands. In a social media post, the Dutchman revealed how he has been coping in the aftermath of the missed penalty.

“I want to apologize to the fans, to the millions of people who believed in our dream of winning the Libertadores. I am heartbroken over this. The penalty that could have kept us in the game became the biggest disappointment of my career so far. I was fully confident about how I should strike the ball, as I have done many times in my career, but the outcome was painful. The reason I came to this beautiful club was always to show my talent, my discipline, and my work ethic. Two years later, we built great memories, but that is over and now lies in the past,” the forward wrote. 

See the rest of Memphis’ letter

I renewed my contract fully aware, and I knew things would not be easy, since my year has been bad so far. My heart was filled with joy when I received your support! From the fans who were there when I needed it most. That is why this ending hurts even more deeply!

I understand and accept all the criticism and emotions that come with this moment, but I will never, ever stop trying to make even greater history at this club and put Corinthians, together with the team and the fans, in the place where the club belongs.

So, once again, I want to apologize to everyone who truly loves this club. It is time to work even harder or go home, because I am not the kind of man who hides behind excuses. Things will not be easy, but those who know me know I am a fighter…

I remain on the battlefield because the dream we all have has not died — at least not in my heart. And to those who find joy in our pain, remember that this changes nothing about the journey we are on. Life will teach each person a lesson in its own time.

Memphis”

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