Atletico Madrid striker Memphis Depay has drawn heavy criticism after making comments to Dutch media outlet NOS Nieuws.
The former Barcelona and Manchester United player defended his former teammate Quincy Promes, who was recently convicted of drug trafficking in the Netherlands. Depay was recently photographed with Promes during a short trip to the Middle East, and he spoke about the situation to NOS, in quotes picked up by Marca.
“The Quincy Promes you heard about is not the Quincy Promes I know. I don't know the Quincy Promes who is on trial. He will continue to be my friend.“
Depay defends Alves
“People need to understand that I come from a difficult background. My brother was also imprisoned for ten years and I was almost never asked about it. But it's about Promes. Benjamin Mendy and Dani Alves were also involved in criminal cases, but that doesn't mean they stop being my friends. I don't know Quincy as they describe it. This doesn't mean I'm saying they're doing things right or that I support everything they do, but I won't let them. It's just not me. »
Depay was widely condemned for the remarks, including by his own national manager, Ronald Koeman. Atlético de Madrid have not yet reacted to this matter, but it is likely that Diego Simeone will be questioned by the media when the Spanish championship resumes at the end of next week.
