Memphis Depay has revealed Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar are his inspiration when it comes to free-kicks after scoring a stunner for Corinthians.
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Memphis nets thunderbolt for CorinthiansSays free-kick goal is "one of the best of his career"Has been inspired by Ronaldo and NeymarFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Memphis is enjoying life in Brazil after signing for Corinthians on a free transfer in the summer following his departure from Atletico Madrid. The Dutchman has six goals in 10 league appearances for his new club, and his latest free-kick goal in a 3-0 win over Bahia was something special as he smashed the ball into the top corner from a difficult angle. Speaking after the match, Memphis revealed which players he looked to when it comes to set-piece ability.
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He told reporters: "In the past, it was Cristiano Ronaldo. He scored a lot of goals, and I trained a lot in that type of free kick. Now, I don't train as much and I went a long time without scoring many free kicks. But I would say Cristiano Ronaldo. I would say Juninho [Pernambucano], but we don't have a good relationship, so I don't mention him. Neymar takes beautiful free kicks, with more control. I think those guys. But, in the past, it was Cristiano Ronaldo, when he made those balls that died [makes the hand signal of the ball that falls after the barrier].
"To be honest, you have to develop your own skill. I tried to shoot like the others, but it didn't work. I have to shoot like myself, it's my quality. Today, the ball went in and it was one of the best free kicks of my career."
Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Memphis has enjoyed a storied career and played for clubs including PSV, Manchester United, Lyon, Barcelona and Atletico before opting to leave Europe and move to South America at the age of 30. The Dutchman struggled to become a key player during his spells at United, Barcelona and Atleti but has made an impact in Brazil. Corinthians had flirted with relegation earlier in the season but the former Red Devils forward has helped the team into seventh place in the table ahead of the final round of fixtures.
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MEMPHIS
Memphis and Corinthians are due to play their last league match of the season against Gremio next. The team have already secured a place in next season's Copa Sudamericana.
