New Barcelona star Memphis Depay has claimed Ronald Koeman was not the deciding factor in his free transfer move to the Camp Nou.

The Dutch international joined La Blaugrana earlier this month after agreeing a two year contract in Catalonia following his exit from Ligue 1 side Lyon.

The move was initialled delayed due to Depay’s participation with the Netherlands at Euro 2020 before his registration was eventually confirmed.

Depay’s arrival sees him once again link up with Koeman, following their time together with La Oranje, but the former Manchester United winger stated it was not the key consideration.

“I would have come even if he was not there because you don’t say no to Barca”, as per reports from Marca.

“But it is also true the coach had a great impact on my move.

“I know him well, he placed his faith in me as a forward with the national team.”

Depay has already joined up with the Barcelona squad for preseason training following his post tournament holiday.

A youthful Barcelona team secured a 4-0 win in their first preseason game against Gimnastic and Depay could feature against either Girona or VfB Stuttgart in the coming days.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Heat president Pat Riley calls out Jimmy Butler twice following playoff exit
Snoop Dogg makes big college football announcement
Pat Riley calls out Jimmy Butler over recent comments
How Tom Brady's investment in English soccer team cratered
Insider speculates Titans 'planning to move on' from former first-round WR
Panthers add former first-round pick to crowded RB room
Jets coach Rick Bowness announces retirement after long career
Mavericks sign Jason Kidd to multi-year extension
Reporter provides clarity on controversial NASCAR finish at Kansas
Stunning stat highlights NBA's youth movement
Report: Rival teams expect Sixers to attempt reunion with star
Donovan Mitchell channeled 'The Answer' in first-round win vs. Magic
Defending champion Golden Knights ousted by Stars in first round
Rangers hold off late Hurricanes rally to take early series lead
Watch: Kyle Larson wins closest finish in NASCAR Cup Series history
Watch: Shohei Ohtani homers twice as Dodgers sweep Braves
Russell Westbrook reacts to reports of him leaving Clippers
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah joins elite company in victory vs. Tottenham
Anthony Edwards joins exclusive club of all-time greats
Aces sign All-Star G Jackie Young to contact extension through 2025

Want more Soccer news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.