In a country used to losing its top talents to Europe, Depay has earned cult status for going the other way – even if there have been disputes over bonus payments in his lucrative contract, which Corinthians have agreed to pay in instalments.
“The fans like him a lot,” explains Bruno Cassucci, who covers Corinthians for Globo in Sao Paulo. “But there’s much debate about his cost-benefit, since Memphis is a very expensive player and the club is dealing with huge financial problems.”
The bonus issues arose partly because of Depay’s success at the Sao Paulo giants, scoring seven goals in 11 games at the end of last season to take them from 18th to seventh in the top flight, before winning the state championship.
“He helped the team avoid relegation and, with an impressive run, secured qualification for this year’s Copa Libertadores,” says Cassucci. “This season he won the Paulista Championship, helping Corinthians end a six-year title drought.”
Yet Depay has endeared himself to fans for reasons beyond the pitch.
“He also gave us his big personality,” Corinthians football executive Fabinho Soldado told the Associated Press. “He has blended very well with Brazilian culture, so people feel closer to him.”
In his first news conference Depay called Brazil the “mecca of football”, and he has professed his admiration for Latin American “energy”.
“They are more fascinated about life,” said Depay. “The way they experience life, it is not just football.”
He has also been praised for embracing the Brazilian lifestyle.
His own music career dates back to 2017, but this year he collaborated on an album called ‘Falando com as Favelas’ (Talking to the Favelas) with Brazilian funk artist MC Hariel. One of the tracks is a tribute to Corinthians fans.
“You can see me one day in a suit with important people, politicians, whatever, and the next day I’m with people that have less opportunities,” said Depay, who has been pictured meeting locals in favelas near Sao Paulo.
“I know that if I spend just one hour talking to people, they can maybe get inspired. I want to go there to help them.”
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