Memphis Depay clarifies Barcelona future

 

Barcelona star Memphis Depay has moved to shut down speculation linking him with an imminent summer exit from the club.

Dutch international Depay has of course endured something of a hit-and-miss debut campaign in Catalunya.

Since his arrival as a free agent, the 28-year-old has drifted in and out of the starting line-up at the Camp Nou, owing to a combination of fitness problems, competition for places and patchy form.

Despite having racked up a respectable 12 goals across all competitions, many of a Blaugrana persuasion have therefore remained critical of Depay’s contributions, amid suggestions that the versatile attacker simply isn’t of the standard required for a club of Barca’s stature.

Such qualms, in turn, have culminated in reports beginning to mount ahead of the summer transfer window swinging open that the Dutchman, brought in under the watch of since-dismissed fellow countryman Ronald Koeman, could be moved on after just a solitary season.

Speaking to the media on Monday, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of his future was put to Depay himself.

As alluded to above, though, the former Manchester United talent was keen to take advantage of the opportunity to reiterate his commitment to the Barcelona cause, insisting that he ‘wants to feel important here for several years’.

Memphis Depay has been approached by Premier League clubs in the past few weeks but still nothing advanced. 🇳🇱 #FCB

Depay clarifies: “I came here at Barcelona with the desire to play for the team – and of course I want to feel important here for several years”.

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 2, 2022

Depay subsequently took to social media to double down on his stance, too, as follows:

Walking into Camp Nou is a feeling I can’t explain 🥶🙏🏽💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/nYaDtDqqWo

— Memphis Depay (@Memphis) May 2, 2022

Mallorca downed

Depay’s latest comments on his future of course come fresh on the back of the Dutchman playing a key role in Barcelona’s return to winning ways.

After three defeats from four across all competitions, Xavi Hernandez’s troops welcomed RCD Mallorca to the Camp Nou for a La Liga clash on Sunday night.

And Depay, afforded a start on the left wing, opened the game’s scoring courtesy of a fine piece of control and subsequent finish:

Memphis Depay what a strike 😱 pic.twitter.com/azHZ9iINL6

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 1, 2022

A rare Sergio Busquets strike then put the Blaugrana two goals to the good early in the 2nd-half, ensuring that Raillo’s finish ten minutes from time was left to stand as little more than a consolation come the full-time whistle.

 

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