Netherlands forward Memphis Depay believes that more European soccer players will follow him to the Brazilian league before the 2026 World Cup.
Depay, who is 30 years old, held his first press conference with Corinthians on Thursday but did not explain his reasons for moving to South America.
He signed a two-year contract and was introduced to Corinthians fans on Wednesday night before his new team’s 3-1 victory over Juventude in a Brazilian Cup match, which sent Corinthians to the semifinals.
“This is bigger than football,” Depay said at the club’s NeoQuimica Arena. “A lot of stars come from Brazil, big football players. It is the mecca of football. Kids in Europe look up to Brazil and the way you play and embrace life.”
European players who have previously played in Brazil include Clarence Seedorf at Botafogo, Dejan Petkovic from Serbia, who played for several clubs and is still a hero for Flamengo fans, and Frenchman Dimitri Payet, who is now with Vasco da Gama.
According to FIFA, about 1,000 Brazilian footballers leave the country every year, with many heading to Europe.
“It is a great moment to bridge that gap to the other side of the world,” Depay said. “We always come to take Brazilian talents to Europe because they have something special. This league needs a light from the other side.”
Depay has not played since the European Championship in July, where the Netherlands were eliminated by England in the semifinals.
“I need to get my rhythm back,” Depay said when asked if playing regularly in Brazil was important for his national team plans. “(Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman) will look into this league and see that it is competitive.”
