A former FC Barcelona player has explained his move to Brazil, insisting that the people there are like those in Ghana.
It came as rather a surprise to many when Netherlands international Memphis Depay joined Brazilian side Corinthians in September 2024 as a free agent after leaving Atletico Madrid.
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Aged 30, the former Barca player penned a contract until December 2026 with the club, where he has already registered seven goals and four assists in 14 games, as per Transfermarkt.
The forward has now opened up about his decision to trade Europe for South America.
"The people in Brazil are like Ghana, very enthusiastic, energised people," Depay told Flashscore.
"The country is beautiful and they have good food. The training facility is amazing. Brazil is like the Mecca of football. All the talents are coming from there, so I wanted to see that, and they convinced me."
He added: "I felt like I needed to do something different. I like a challenge."
Elsewhere, a new report by El Futbolero claims that Corinthians are now plotting another big move for Paul Pogba, with the side willing to offer the Frenchman a bigger salary than Depay's reported $7 million (R125 million) per season.
Depay is said to be the highest earner in Brazilian football, and Corinthians' ambitious owners have recently acquired a new sponsor willing to cover a significant portion of Pogba's wages.
Perhaps bizarrely, the sponsor in question is said to be an escort agency, which has drawn some criticism from many in the country, as they believe that a deal with the company could tarnish the image of Corinthians given that the sponsor's line of work can be deemed immoral.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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