Memphis Depay has revealed his excitement over the possibility of joining Lionel Messi and describes the Argentine as “a legend” during his unveiling in Barcelona.
Barça announced that they had secured the Dutchman’s signing over a month ago, but they have had to wait until now to reveal their new arrival at Camp Nou.
Although he finally got his hands on a Barcelona shirt, doubts remain about Depay’s participation for Barcelona next season, with the club currently unable to register the Dutch international after exceeding La Liga’s salary cap.
However, Depay would not let that ruin his big moment, and he discussed a number of topics, including what it means to play for a club like Barcelona and the “dream” of being a teammate of Messi.
Club president Joan Laporta was also present at the unveiling and he raised recent speculation about the future of Antoine Griezmann – a goal for at least two Premier League clubs – with the Frenchman rumored to be on his way out of Camp Nou.
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– FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 22, 2021
To save yourself by filtering through hours of clips on social media, here are the best bits from Depay’s coverage …
Depay will join Messi next season / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
“It’s a dream [to play alongside Messi], “he said (via Barcelona’s official social media account).” Watching all their games is a legend. I do not have to say much. The best player in the world.
“You see what he did in the Copa America so I look forward to playing with him. I think everyone in the world would like to play with a player like him. Yesterday I toured the museum and you see all the Ballon d’Ors he has won, and there will probably be another soon. “
Memphis Depay has been featured on Camp Nou / Eric Alonso / Getty Images
“It has been a long conversation but the will was always there,” he said. “I want to thank the president and also my team for all the efforts they made to make the deal happen.
“With all the passion that exists in this club from the board, the fans, the players, the city and even the reporters, everyone here knows the importance of the club and I definitely realize how big this club is and what impact it had on me as a child.
“Now to be here as a 27-year-old guy chasing my dream, I think it’s fantastic. I look forward to playing in a full stadium and I’m very happy to meet all the fans. The team is ready for a new season, we had a good rest and now it’s time to go back to work and bring trophies.
Memphis Depay and Ronald Koeman have worked together before / Soccrates Images / Getty Images
“[Koeman] had a major impact. I know him from the national team – he put me in the middle position and it did a lot. In the games I played under the coach, I did many things that created chances and goals.
“I think he made me feel confident playing in another role, he tried in the middle and it worked. Of course he made the move to Barcelona and since then we were in touch. He tried to convince me to come already last. season.
“I think it was the right moment so obviously it was the coach’s influence but you can not say no to Barcelona so I would have come anyway.”
Joan Laporta was open about Barcelona’s economic struggle / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
“We have no problem with [Griezmann]”We are very pleased with him,” Laporta pointed out.
“If the market starts to move in a certain direction, we are open to all kinds of proposals, because we are in a very sensitive moment. We must follow the rules of fair play and reduce the cost of wages.”
