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Memphis Depay (L) displays his Corinthians jersey at a press conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil, September 12, 2024. /CFP
Dutch striker Memphis Depay said he expects other European football players to join him in the Brazilian league before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 30-year-old on Thursday gave his first press conference as a player for Corinthians, but didn't go into specifics on why he decided to move to South America.
Depay, who signed a two-year contract, had been introduced to Corinthians fans Wednesday evening before his new team's 3-1 win in a Brazilian Cup game against Juventude, as the hosts advanced to the semifinals 4-3 on aggregate.
"This is bigger than football," Depay said at the club's NeoQuimica Arena. "A lot of stars come from Brazil, big football players. It is the mecca of football. Kids in Europe look up to Brazil and the way you play and embrace life."
Other European players who had spells at Brazilian clubs include Clarence Seedorf at Botafogo; Serbian Dejan Petkovic, who played for multiple clubs and remains a hero for Flamengo fans; and Frenchman Dimitri Payet, currently at Vasco da Gama.
FIFA records show an average of 1,000 Brazilian footballers leave the country every year, with many going to Europe.
"It is a great moment to bridge that gap to the other side of the world," Depay added. "We always come to take the Brazilian talents to Europe because they have something special. This league needs a light from the other side."
The Dutchman hasn't played since the European Championship in July when the Netherlands were knocked out by England in the semifinals.
"I need to have my rhythm back," Depay said when asked whether playing regularly in Brazil was key for his plans to play for his national team. "(Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman) will investigate this league and find out it is a competitive one."
Depay said he received advice on coming to Brazil from Neymar, Vinicius Junior and his personal chef, who is Brazilian.
"On the other side of the world they don't know all this (in Brazil), they just follow European clubs. It is time that they see. Brazilians have something special, I think the league will shine to the other side of the world. It is time to show its potential, I think it will happen in the next few years," Depay added.