In São Paulo, where Corinthians supporters had carried their Libertadores hopes into a demanding tie with Estudiantes de La Plata, Memphis Depay has addressed the miss that became the defining moment of the Brazilian club’s exit. The Dutch forward apologised to the fanbase after his failed penalty in the 1-0 defeat to the Argentine side, a result that ended Corinthians’ campaign.
A painful moment in the Libertadores
Depay posted his response on Instagram three days after the loss to Estudiantes, saying he was devastated by the outcome and accepting the reaction that followed.
- Corinthians were eliminated from the Copa Libertadores by Estudiantes de La Plata.
- The decisive match ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Brazilian team.
- Depay missed a penalty which, in his view, could have kept Corinthians in contention.
- The Netherlands international described it as the greatest disappointment of his career so far.
He said he had been certain about the way he intended to strike the ball, drawing on a technique he had used successfully many times during his career. Instead, the outcome left him deeply hurt.
An apology to the Corinthians public
The forward directed his message principally at the millions of Corinthians fans who had believed the club could win South America’s biggest club competition. He said the failure to convert the spot-kick had broken his heart.
“I understand and accept all the criticism and emotion that come with this moment,” Depay said. “But I will never stop trying to make history at this club and help put Corinthians, alongside the team and its supporters, where it belongs.”
He also thanked those who had remained behind him when he most needed their backing, saying their support had filled him with joy while making the elimination even more painful.
Commitment after a difficult year
Depay said his motivation for joining Corinthians had always been to demonstrate his ability, discipline and work ethic. He reflected on the memories created during his first two years at the club, while stressing that those moments were now behind him.
Having renewed his contract with full awareness of the challenge ahead, he acknowledged that the year had gone badly for him personally and that the situation would not be straightforward. Yet his message made clear that the Libertadores setback has not changed his determination to continue pursuing bigger achievements in São Paulo.
