Memphis Depay: Why I'm moving to Barcelona
Robin Bairner
- 19 Jul 2021 19:33 BST
- 3 min read
Memphis Depay has spoken of his reasons behind joining Barcelona after leaving Lyon at the end of his contract.
Memphis is presently in Barcelona to put pen to paper on his contract with the Camp Nou side, with the deal to run until the end of the 2022-23 season.
It marks a landmark moment in the career of the Netherlands international attacker, whose chance at the very top of the game appeared to have past him by when he left Manchester United, having failed to earn the trust of either Louis van Gaal or Jose Mourinho.
A move to Barcelona, then, represents something of a redemption for Depay.
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Memphis: Barcelona a perfect move
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, he explained his reasons for joining Barcelona.
“It is a special day, I am very excited to go to the club and to the stadium. It is all very beautiful and it will be an incredible day,” he said.
“I hope to win many titles, which is why I have come to this great club. It is what the club represents, it has a very rich history. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone at the club.
“I just came from vacation and now it's time to refocus. I want to start the season well and be totally focused here. I will try to adapt as quickly as possible.
"I love playing attacking football and being creative on the field, generating chances, assists and goals. Barca's style of play is perfect for me. I'm very happy."
Koeman's influence
Memphis admitted that Ronald Koeman being in the dugout also had an impact in his decision to join Barcelona, having previously worked successfully under the coach at international level.
"I have made great strides with him, especially in the national team, being important in the team," he said.
I have made great strides with him, especially in the national team, being important in the team
- Memphis Depay on Koeman"It gave me a lot of confidence and it also helped me when I was injured. He gave me a lot of support and insisted on coming here and signing for the best club in the world.
"I am very happy that he is here and I am ready to fight for him."
Previously, Memphis had been rather reticent to speak of his future with Barcelona, preferring to focus instead on his Euro 2020 campaign with the Netherlands.
That came to an end when they were defeated 2-0 by the Czech Republic in the last 16 of the competition, having boasted a perfect three wins from three in the group stages.
Although it was a disappointing competition overall for the Netherlands, Memphis Depay scored two and set up another in four matches, and he will hope to continue that form for Barcelona when the season finally begins.
