Memphis Depay has knocked back suggestions that he could leave Barcelona this summer and is intent on fighting for his place in the side.
The Dutchman only signed for Barça last summer following the expiration of his contract at Lyon and although he scored 13 goals in 38 games in all competitions, he lost his place in Xavi’s lineup to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following his winter arrival. He has since been linked with a move away from Camp Nou.
Barcelona remain interested in forwards Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, while they are also trying to re-sign Ousmane Dembele after his contract ended.
Speaking to ESPN, Memphis revealed that he wants to ‘start again’ at Barcelona – right after he enjoys some downtime on his holidays.
“I really want to be back in Barcelona and start again, I can’t wait for that moment to come. I’m also going to relax with my feet in the sand somewhere before I go back to the club,” he said.
Memphis was also asked to explain a cryptic social media post in which he said: “I see how certain tactics are used around me as a footballer. It’s all good, God likes that about me…that’s why I’m privileged. All my life I wasn’t good enough, I didn’t fit the standard look and I didn’t have the right behaviour. That’s what happens when you live free.”
He insisted that this was in reference to how his other ventures, including his career as a rapper, are perceived and how he feels appreciated in some places more than others.
“Outside of football, I am busy with many other things and sometimes that brings me into disrepute. But if you look at the numbers, also with the Dutch national team, you see that I work very hard on my legacy. They appreciate me and I feel that too. But when I arrived in Ghana, it also opens my eyes. How they receive me there, for example. That speaks for itself. I’m super happy and I feel appreciated,” Memphis added.
