‘Depay wanted the team to revolve around him but he’s NOT good enough for that’: Lyon chief Juninho slams ex-Man United flop for thinking he was on Messi and Ronaldo’s level as he prepares to leave French side on a free
- Memphis Depay will leave Lyon this summer when his contact runs its course
- Lyon chief Juninho has lashed out at Depay as he prepares to leave on a free
- The ex-Lyon star accused Depay of thinking he was better than he actually is
- Dutch winger is expected to sign for Barcelona on a free transfer this summer
Lyon sporting director Juninho took no prisoners in his assessment of Memphis Depay as he accused the outgoing star of ‘wanting the entire team to revolve around him’ as if he were on the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The once Manchester United flop is set to leave the Ligue 1 giants on a free transfer this summer and is being heavily linked with a move to Barcelona.
Depay has been one of Lyon’s standout performers in recent years since joining from United in 2017 and finished this season as their top scorer with 21 league goals – only PSG’s Kylian Mbappe managed more than him.
Memphis Depay has been criticised by Lyon chief Juninho ahead of his exit this summer
Juninho accused Depay of thinking he was on the same level as Lionel Messi (left) and Crisitano Ronaldo (right)
However, Juninho, who spent eight years at the club as a player, had some strong words for Depay as he slammed the Dutchman ahead of his exit.
‘Memphis Depay just wanted a team for himself,’ the Brazilian told OLTV.
‘It’s not a criticism, I had a good relationship with him. But on the other hand, the whole team had to revolve around him and that is very hard. Everyone should feel like they’re working the same.
‘There are only four players in the world where you have to do everything for them: Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar and Mbappe. If you have one of them, then the team can revolve around them.
‘Sorry, I think that Depay is strong, but he’s not at their level. And I think that he has to work harder without the ball.’
The Brazilian said the outgoing winger wanted the whole team to ‘revolve around him’
27-year-old winger Depay is being heavily linked with a free switch to Barcelona this summer
The 27-year-old winger was tipped to become one of the best players in the world when he joined United in 2015 but endured a torrid time in England as he struggled to get to grips with life in the Premier League.
He did however get his career back on track in France and has performed consistently at a high level for Lyon in the past four years, scoring 75 times in 178 games for the club.
Depay’s deal expires this summer but a decision on his future has not yet been made, though a reunion with ex-Holland boss Ronald Koeman at Barcelona is looking the most likeliest scenario.
Koeman’s position as Barcelona boss is however under pressure after they finished third in LaLiga and recent reports have claimed the Dutch international will only make the move to the Nou Camp if he remains in charge.
