Memphis recalls love for Brazil, hails Corinthians in interview | OneFootball

While the Corinthians squad prepares to resume activities ahead of the 2026 season, one of the team’s biggest names continues representing his country at the World Cup. Called up by the Netherlands national team, Memphis Depay remains available to the national side.

During his time with the Dutch national team, Corinthians’ number 10 was featured in the June digital edition of the international magazine Hypebeast, a publication focused on fashion, culture, and lifestyle. In an exclusive interview, Memphis spoke about his journey on and off the pitch, touching on topics such as music, fashion, and his decision to play football in Brazil.

Photo: Reproduction / Instagram

Commenting on his decision to play for Corinthians, the forward recalled his first time in Brazil during the 2014 World Cup and revealed that the connection he built with the country was decisive in accepting the challenge of playing in South American football.

“Yes, in 2014, I came here for the World Cup as a 20-year-old kid. It was an incredible experience. I fell in love with the country. I feel like the energy is kind of similar, like Africa. And I also have a lot of Brazilian friends and, when the offer came, I started thinking, right? Like, what should I do? Because I’m still young, I played my whole life in Europe, but I felt like I needed some kind of ‘detox’ from Europe and, like, go somewhere else. And, err, it was a big challenge. And so far, it’s been an incredible story. Brazilian culture is wonderful. The people are full of life, and that’s what I love most about this place. That’s why I came. The energy is different. So, it’s amazing to spend time here and write, write a beautiful story, a legacy here.”

The statement reinforces the bond Memphis has been building with Corinthians since arriving at the club. On the pitch, the forward has become one of the team’s main technical leaders and played an active role in the black-and-white side’s campaign during the first half of the season.

While the Dutchman remains focused on the World Cup, the rest of the Corinthians squad returns to training this Thursday (25) at CT Dr. Joaquim Grava. The squad’s return marks the beginning of the mid-season period led by Fernando Diniz, who will use the time to prepare the team for the continuation of the Brazilian Championship, the Copa do Brasil, and the Conmebol Libertadores round of 16.

Memphis is one of the expected absences when training resumes precisely because he is still on duty with the Netherlands national team. The expectation is that the forward will rejoin Corinthians after the Dutch team’s World Cup campaign comes to an end.

Since arriving at Parque São Jorge, the number 10 has shown a strong connection with Brazilian culture and the Corinthians fans. Now, in addition to pursuing goals with his national team, the player is also looking to continue the path he has built at the club, which he himself described as an “incredible story.”

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