Memphis Depay has stirred controversy with remarks concerning Dani Alves, Paul Pogba, and Benjamin Mendy, following his posting of a photograph alongside Quincy Promes, who has been convicted of drug trafficking.
The photograph of Memphis Depay with Promes, a former Spartak Moscow player, has garnered significant negative reactions from Dutch star’s fanbase. The Atletico Madrid forward stated that he is friends with the 32-year-old compatriot, but this does not imply his endorsement of Promes’ actions leading to his arrest by Dubai police for drug trafficking and subsequent six-year imprisonment.
Depay shared with Foot Mercato, “I will discuss this with the coach. We are still friends, and I will not abandon my friends in times of trouble. But this does not mean I endorse Quincy Promes in all his actions. I have no intention to provoke anyone. I am simply on vacation and having dinner with friends.
Paul Pogba sat next to me, and everything was normal. We had joyful moments. This is how I live. We are football players, and we post on social media to share our personal stories. It’s just a picture during my vacation. I don’t see anything wrong with it myself.”
Memphis Depay further added, “I understand people have the right to perceive things differently, and so do I. I am willing to take responsibility for this if I have done anything wrong. People cannot know Quincy Promes as I do. I don’t need to know what Quincy Promes has done to affect people’s lives, but if he is wrong, the law will deal with it.
The reality of my circumstances has never been easy, and everyone has their own paths, no one is alike. My older brother served ten years in prison. I have never questioned my brother’s privacy issues. They all have their mistakes and sorrows; we should not hurt them further. I am also friends with Dani Alves and Benjamin Mendy, and I have never questioned their past actions.”
Recently, Paul Pogba has been banned from playing for four years for doping after testing positive for banned substances. Dani Alves has also been convicted of raping a woman at a nightclub in Barcelona, with a Spanish court sentencing him to four and a half years in prison. Benjamin Mendy has been accused of rape and attempted rape but was declared not guilty in a trial in July 2023.
Currently, Memphis Depay has returned to the Dutch national team during the international break. He has been called up to the provisional squad for friendly matches against the Scotland national team (March 22) and the host of Euro 2024, Germany (March 26). Memphis Depay will play for the national team for the first time since their 3-0 victory over Gibraltar on March 27, 2023.
The 30-year-old Atletico Madrid forward has made 88 appearances for the national team and scored 44 goals. The Netherlands have also advanced to the Euro 2024 finals and will face Austria, France, and a playoff winner.