Memphis Depay breaks silence on his collapsed move to Juventus
Written By
Ernest SundayA passionate sports journalist with an eye for detail.
Memphis Depay was on the verge of joining Italian side Juventus during the summer transfer window when the deal was reported to have fallen through due to a disagreement.
The 28-year-old forward, who is in his second season with the Catalans, was said to be looking for a new club following the arrivals of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, who increased competition in Xavi's team.
Depay was among the players Barcelona wanted to offload to make room for their summer signings, which included Andreas Christensen, Franck Kessié, and Jules Koundé, among others.
Following the collapse of negotiations between Memphis Depay and Juventus, the Dutch international player has spoken out about the deal, revealing that he wanted to stay in Barcelona and fight for his place.
"Other clubs came, and then you just look at your options," Depay said when asked why he stayed at Barcelona. "I decided to fight for my chance here. '
"I was the top scorer for Barça with Aubameyang." I love competition, and I don't walk away from it. I enjoy being at Barça. "
Barcelona intended to terminate Depay's contract after just one season at the club, as Xavi chose Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati over him for his left-wing position.
Despite opting to stay at Barcelona, the gifted forward has seen limited action, starting only two of Barcelona's six La Liga games and playing only 15 minutes in the Champions League.
Though he started Barcelona's last two La Liga games, Depay seemed unhappy with his playing time and voiced his hunger for more opportunities at the club.
"I had two starting spots in the last two weeks in La Liga. It's not enough, "Depay said." I get taken off after 60 minutes, but I am longing for more. In the last 25 minutes of the game, there is more space, and I always have the power to profit from that."
Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has also expressed his desire to see Depay get more playing time in Barcelona, which will benefit him ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
"It is true that many players called me in the transfer window," Van Gaal said. "But I always ended every conversation with "this is my advice," but you make your own decision." I am happy with the outcome. But I would be happier if Frenkie and Memphis would play more than they are now. "