Memphis Depay, the talented Dutch forward, recently made headlines when Wayne Rooney, his former teammate at Manchester United, revealed that he once had to give him a “talking to” after he turned up to a reserve match wearing a cowboy hat and driving a Rolls Royce. While Rooney acknowledged Depay’s work rate and dedication in training, he expressed his displeasure with the forward’s off-pitch behavior.
Rooney, who was covering the Netherlands’ clash against France at Euro 2024, recounted the incident during a BBC interview. He praised Depay’s work ethic, stating that he worked really hard every day in order to prove himself. However, Rooney emphasized that there were a few things off the pitch that he had talked about regarding Depay’s conduct. One particular incident stood out to Rooney when he was attending a reserve game and Depay arrived in a Rolls Royce and donning a cowboy hat. This prompted Rooney to have a conversation with him about his choices.
Depay, on the other hand, has defended his actions and expressed his determination to prove himself. In a documentary about his life, the 30-year-old winger addressed the criticism he faced during his time in Manchester. He mentioned the headlines in the papers and the scrutiny he received for wearing a hat, but he remained unfazed. Depay asserted that he had earned everything he had achieved and that his success was not handed to him. He proudly stated that he drives a Rolls Royce and emphasized that he had worked hard to reach where he is today. Despite the criticism and being labeled as a flop in Manchester, Depay urged people to look at his past and acknowledge the challenges he has overcome.
After leaving Manchester United in 2017, Depay found success in Lyon, where he rebuilt his career over four years. He then made the move to Barcelona and later joined Atletico Madrid in 2023. Depay’s journey has been marked by resilience and a determination to prove himself, regardless of what others may think.
This anecdote between Rooney and Depay offers a glimpse into the dynamics of their relationship at Manchester United and sheds light on the challenges faced by professional footballers both on and off the pitch. It highlights the importance of professionalism and the impact that personal choices can have on one’s reputation. Furthermore, it underscores the resilience and determination required to succeed in such a competitive industry. While Depay’s fashion choices may have caused controversy, his ability to overcome criticism and continue to strive for greatness serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and individuals facing their own challenges.