Memphis Depay panned for comments defending convicted former teammates, including Dani Alves

Atletico Madrid forward Memphis Depay has attracted strong criticism after making comments to Dutch media outlet NOS Nieuws. The former Barcelona and Manchester United man defended former teammate Quincy Promes, who was recently convicted of drug trafficking in the Netherlands.

Depay was recently pictured with Promes during a short stay in the Middle East, and he spoke about that situation to NOS – quotes covered by Marca.

“The Quincy Promes you read about is not the Quincy Promes that I know. I don’t know the Quincy Promes that’s on trial. He will continue to be my friend.

“People should realise that I come from a difficult environment. My brother was also in jail for ten years and I was almost never asked about it. But it is 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 the Quincy as they describe it. That doesn’t mean I’m saying they’re doing things right or supporting everything they do, but I won’t let them. That’s just not me.”

Depay has been widely condemned for these remarks, including by his own national team manager, Ronald Koeman. Atletico Madrid are yet to address the situation, although it’s likely that Diego Simeone could be questioned by the media upon the return of domestic football late next week.

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