Dutch icon Gullit weighs in on Memphis Depay’s fitness | OneFootball

One of the biggest names in the history of the Dutch national team, Ruud Gullit spoke about Brazilian football and Memphis Depay’s fitness. The former midfielder said the Brasileirão is a good league, but admitted he does not follow the number 10’s matches.

“It’s a good league, but it doesn’t really have much to do with that. If you play at a high level in Europe, of course, that’s what Brazilians want to do, that’s why Brazilians go to Europe. However, of course, we don’t see many of his games. I don’t. He’s also injured, so that’s a shame too. You know, he’s our top scorer, and of course, we need him to be fit. That’s for sure. But to have an opinion on how he plays in Brazil, I don’t know, I don’t watch the games, so sorry,” he said in the mixed zone at the Laureus Awards, known as the “Oscars of Sport.”

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – APRIL 12: Memphis Depay of Corinthians looks on prior to a Brasileirao 2026 match between Corinthians and Palmeiras at Neo Quimica Arena on April 12, 2026 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images)

Asked whether Brazilian football might not be the best place for Memphis to prepare for the World Cup, Gullit disagreed and explained the comparison with European football, citing mainly the climate and the different pace of the game.

“No, that has nothing to do with it. I think Brazil has a good level of play, but as you said, all Brazilians want to play in Europe. So it goes both ways, but it’s a good league. I’ve seen their football. It’s different, because it’s hot, you know, it’s a different pace and everything because of the climate, but still, the talent is always there in Brazil, all the time. They have good players. But most want to go to Europe,” he added.

Memphis’ return

Forward Memphis Depay was back on the pitch at CT Joaquim Grava on Monday morning, but he is still being treated for a grade 2 injury to the front of his right thigh. According to information first reported by Meu Timão, the number 10 has not yet progressed to the physical transition phase with the rest of the squad.

So far, his activities remain limited to working with the physiotherapy staff, with no set date for a return to matches. The past week was marked by friction between the player and Corinthians’ medical department. That is because Memphis used social media to complain about “some mistakes” that, according to him, prevented him from taking part in the derby against Palmeiras, played on the 12th. The projected return is for the clash against Peñarol at the end of the month, or else at the beginning of May.

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