"You can knock down the bar and I’ll pay for everything"- Ex-Barcelona star Memphis Depay goes on special favela trip as Corinthians player
Former Barcelona forward Memphis Depay appears to be loving life in Brazil as he was spotted spending time in the favela with locals. The Dutch star completed a transfer to Brasileirao giants Corinthians in the summer, and has bought into the Brazilian lifestyle.
Depay became a free agent in the summer after his contract with LaLiga giants Atletico Madrid reached its expiry. The 30-year-old was linked with a host of European sides, including Rayo Vallecano, but decided to continue his career in South America with Corinthians.
Memphis Depay has been a class act not just on the pitch, but off of it, as well, following his latest adventures. The Netherlands international paid a visit to a "favela", a kind of slum found in city centres, and one of the inhabitants revealed that he sponsored their enjoyment while he was there. He spent a lot of money and time with the locals, and had fun with them.
"It was a joy! He arrived with instruments in his hand. It was amazing. A very humble, simple guy... as seemed like he was from our community, playing with the kids".
"As his gift to the community, Depay paid for the nearly R$7,000 bar bill that night. He left Grande ABC at 3am".
"He left everything on his account. He said... you can knock down the bar and I'll pay for everything later!".
Memphis Depay has been effective on the pitch for Corinthians, as well, despite their struggles for the most part of the campaign. The former Barcelona star has three goals and an assist in seven league games for his side, who sit in eleventh place, five points outside the relegation zone.
Barcelona star continues sensational form in Brazil colours
Barcelona forward Raphinha has continued his fine form this season in the colours of the Brazil national team in the international break. The former Leeds United man was on target for the Selecao in their 1-1 draw with Venezuela away from home.
With both Neymar and Rodrygo absent, Raphinha wore the number ten shirt for Brazil in their FIFA World Cup qualifier against Venezuela. The Barcelona star scored a fine free-kick to open the scoring for his side in the game which they eventually dropped points.
Raphinha has been in sensational form at club level and is one of only three players to register 10+ goals and 10+ assists in Europe's top five leagues this season. The 27-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided ten assists in 17 games for his club this season.