Corinthians' Moroccan says squad want Memphis to stay, rates Diniz | OneFootball

Corinthians faced Peñarol-URU on the night of last Thursday (21) at Estádio Campeón Del Siglo, in a match valid for the fifth round of the 2026 Conmebol Libertadores group stage, and drew 1-1. Timão’s goal was scored by attacking midfielder Zakaria Labyad in the 17th minute of the second half. The draw secured Alvinegro as the leader of Group E with 11 points — three wins and two draws — with eight goals scored and two conceded.

The Moroccan, who scored Corinthians’ equalizer in the match, spoke to the press in the mixed zone right after the game and was asked about his celebration after finding the net. Wearing No. 52, he confirmed it was a tribute to Memphis Depay, also saying he hopes the Dutchman stays at the club. Labyad also analyzed Fernando Diniz’s work, spoke about Brazilian football, and the team’s run after the change in the coaching staff. Since his arrival, he has played 11 matches (one as a starter), with one goal and one assist.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Check out Zakaria Labyad’s answers to the press in Uruguay below:

Tribute to Memphis Depay in the goal celebration and hope that No. 10 stays

“Yes, it was a message. I want him to stay here in Brazil, at Corinthians. I think everyone knows he is a great player, a great Corinthians player. He loves Corinthians very much, he wants to stay here. For us, he is a very important player. A great player, he has won three titles here. For me, I want him to stay here, and I hope the club can make that happen so that we can win more titles.”

What it feels like to score for the first time in a Corinthians shirt

“I was very happy with my first goal for Corinthians. I had been waiting three months for an opportunity as a starter. The coach gave me the chance to play today, so I’m very happy with this opportunity and I hope to do even better.”

Relationship with Fernando Diniz and the importance of the coach, who has been giving him more minutes

“I like working with Diniz because I want to play with the ball, with desire, with joy. For me, this kind of football is what I love and enjoy. So, I’m very happy to have him as coach. He has given me a lot of confidence, just as he has the players. Today you could see it: we played with many different players starting the match and I think we did a great job.”

“For me, he is very important because he trusts me. But all the players here are very happy with the coach. He is a coach who wants to train very hard and with quality. He always speaks confidently with the players, he gives confidence. I’m very happy with him because the type of football he wants to play is what I have played my whole life, from the age of 16 until now. So, I feel very good with the way he plays.”

Memphis Depay’s physical condition

“Yes, he trained with our team yesterday and he feels good. That is very important. As I have said several times, he is a very important player for Corinthians, for our team. He is a huge personality and has a lot of quality. He is the all-time top scorer in the history of the Netherlands national team. Of course the club has to do everything to keep him here.”

Does Memphis want to stay at Corinthians?

“He really wants to stay here. Our team also wants Memphis to stay and the club will do everything to keep him here. Memphis loves Corinthians. I have many conversations with him and the group knows that too. He loves Corinthians, he wants to stay here, so I have a good feeling that he will stay.”

Did you come to Corinthians only because you are friends with Memphis Depay?

“I have football to show at Corinthians. I played many years in the Champions League, I won nine titles in Europe. Ok, I was friends with Memphis, but he also knows that I have the quality to play here at Corinthians. When I get the opportunity, I want to show the coach, the fans, and the club. Yes, I’m his friend, but I’m also here to show my quality.”

Differences between Brazilian and European football

“It is a little different from Europe. There, football is more tactical; here, there is more talent. Brazil is the country of football. I think we have great players, the level is high. We are showing that in training and in matches as well. We can achieve great things. We have a fantastic coach, a fantastic group of players. We will improve and, for sure, win more titles.”

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