"In my journey, there have always been ups and downs, good moments and bad ones, and all that helps you to keep learning. That’s why I think joining Barcelona is a big step forward in my career," Memphis Depay has told Dutch TV after the match against North Macedonia. (h/t Diario Sport)
"It was inevitable all these days, the topic was in the air. That’s why I could not say I was not thinking about it during these days, but now it’s all been made clear."
The 27-year-old was also asked why signed with Barca for only two seasons but Memphis preferred to stay coy.
"That’s what I’ve agreed with the club, simply put," Depay said.
The Dutchman arrives at Camp Nou on a free transfer from Lyon. His release clause has been set at €500m.
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Celebrating Barca move in style: Depay records goal and assist in latest Netherlands game
Memphis Depay delivered a great performance in his first game for the Netherlands after officially joining Barcelona. In his team's 3-0 win over North Macedonia, the 27-year-old recorded a goal and an assist in just 66 minutes of play.
Depay's stats vs North Macedonia (h/t Sofascore)
66 minutes
1 goal
1 assist
3 shots
2 shots on target
3/3 completed dribbles
1 big chance missed
22/32 completed passes
2 key passes
2/5 crosses
1 big chance created
5/7 ground duels won
So far at the 2020 Euros, Depay has recorded two goals and two assists in three matches. Memphis has played a key role in the Netherlands first-place finish in group C.
The 27-year-old has joined Barca on a contract until 2023. He arrives on a free transfer from Lyon.
How Koeman explained Depay's disappointing spell at Man United in 2019
"I think he's a top player and maybe during his time at Manchester United he was a little bit too young," then-Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman told Sky Sports of Memphis Depay in 2019.
"He's now more experienced and what he's showed and what he has done for the national team is great and I'm really glad that we have that kind of player in our national team."
Man United splashed €34m on Depay's move from PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2015. The Dutchman was 21 at that time.
Memphis went on to score just seven goals in 53 appearances for the Red Devils before moving to Lyon in a €16m switch in January 2017.
