Memphis Depay has performed a u-turn and signed a new contract with Corinthians, less than a week after branding the club’s refusal to honour a planned extension as “unacceptable”.
It seemed the Netherlands international’s two-year stint in Brazil was coming to an end after he accused the club of failing to comply with pre-agreed terms over a new deal.
Corinthians admitted they could not afford what they had initially proposed but, following negotiations, a new two-year contract has been agreed with Depay wiling to write off a chunk of money he was owed.
Club president Osmar Stabile said: “Everything’s fine but it was hard work. Obviously, you can’t get an international star done very quickly – it was a lengthy process but everything worked out.
“We had a personal meeting and he managed to reduce the numbers that his team couldn’t achieve. We did what was best for Corinthians, especially in financial terms.”
Corinthians chief received threats after initial deal with Depay broke down
Former Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Manchester United forward Depay has scored 20 goals in 79 appearances for Corinthians, helping them win the Copa do Brasil and the Supercopa do Brasil.
According to ESPN Brasil, he has waived around £2.9million to stay with the Sao Paulo club.
“[Depay] reduced it significantly,” added Stabile. “I don’t want to discuss numbers but he made a considerable reduction because of the circumstances, because of his desire to stay, and because Corinthians needed to find a way to pay. I believe we can afford this contract.”
The deal is a major relief for Stabile, who received threats from fans angry that their star man may be forced to leave.
“We suffered the consequences, they leaked my phone, they leaked my daughters’ phones, they invaded my bank accounts, my daughters’, my wife’s,” he said. “It was a difficult situation, no-one deserves a situation like this. There were people showing knives, people showing revolvers. We are now taking the necessary measures. We know that there are a lot of bandits involved, sending WhatsApps to my family. I don’t wish that on anyone.”
Depay performs u-turn to stay at Corinthians
It is quite the about-turn from Depay, who last week outlined his frustration at Corinthians’ stance and vowed to take action.
He wrote on social media: “This renewal was explicitly agreed upon by the president as well as the sporting, legal and financial department. Some people decided however to breach this engagement.
“I didn’t want this situation and always respected the club throughout the process, but now I am forced to react strongly in order to preserve my interests.
“In the upcoming days I will speak publicly but rest assured that I will not leave this unacceptable behaviour unsanctioned.”
