Memphis Depay releases statement after bizarre moment during match

Manchester United fans are used to seeing former Red Devils forwards make headlines, but this time it was Memphis Depay, now at Corinthians, who found himself in the spotlight for an unusual reason.

Memphis Depay was caught on television using his phone on the bench during stoppage time in Corinthians’ recent 1‑1 draw with Flamengo in the Brazilian Serie A, sparking confusion and amusement among supporters worldwide.

The 32‑year‑old, who once wore a United shirt between 2015 and 2017, had been forced off early due to injury, departing the pitch in the 22nd minute, but was seen scrolling on his phone late in the match before being confronted by a member of the coaching staff.

Video footage showed a coach approaching Depay, seemingly chastising him before the forward tucked his phone into his pocket.

The moment quickly made the rounds on social media, leaving observers curious about what the Dutchman was doing.

Memphis Depay has now responded to the incident with a statement on X, clarifying what was actually happening during that bizarre bench sideline moment: “Just to clarify, my moment with the phone was purely to communicate with the medical staff in the Netherlands at that moment.

“I came outside to show support to my team while I could’ve stayed inside the dressing room with the injury.

“I’m upset with the result of the game as well. We keep working for better days.”

In other words, Depay insists he wasn’t distracted or disengaged, he was in contact with medical staff back in the Netherlands to help assess and manage his injury situation, choosing to remain with his teammates rather than retreating to the dressing room.

This isn’t the first time Depay has attracted attention outside of his on‑field contributions.

He made the switch to Brazilian football by joining Corinthians.

He has also been reunited with former United teammate Jesse Lingard, who also signed for the club.

Lingard’s move to Corinthians earlier in 2026 raised plenty of eyebrows, too, as the English midfielder sought a fresh challenge after spells at West Ham United and Nottingham Forest.

For now, the focus for Depay and Corinthians will be bouncing back from the draw and getting back to winning ways, with the Dutch forward hoping to be fully fit after his recent injury setback.