Sports News of Thursday, 7 May 2015

Source: allsports.com.gh

5 things about Depay who could have played for Ghana

His father is Ghanaian

Memphis Depay was born by a Ghanaian father and Dutch mother in the southern Dutch town of Moordrecht, a small village just outside Rotterdam in 1994.

His parents divorced when he was four years old

Depay's parents split up when he was only four years old, with the youngster living with his mum. He is one of many who experienced deep emotional pain, and the effects clearly had an impact on his development that endures to this day: in 2012 he dropped Depay from the back of his shirt, reasoning that Depay is his father’s name and that he has no contact with him. Memphis is the name he wears now.

Youngest Dutch player to score at World Cup

Depay became the youngest ever Dutch player to score in a FIFA World Cup at the age of 20 years and four months when he netted against Australia in the group stage.

He Depay scored twice at the World Cup in Brazil, equalling England's total for the tournament.

Depay was shortlisted for the Best Young Player award at the World Cup but fell short as France's Paul Pogba took the plaudits over the Dutchman and France defender Raphael Varane.

Tattoo

Memphis has numerous tattoos, including one that is a tribute to his grandfather who passed away a day after his 15th birthday.

The two were very close, and he was always present at Depay’s matches, becoming a father figure in the absence of his actual dad.

Hugely influenced by him, Depay has words dedicated to his grandfather tattooed down the left arm of his heavily-inked 5ft 9in frame. “That man gave me a lot of strength and took great care of me,” says Depay. “At that moment I thought to myself I’ve got to go for it. I know where I want to go, and that is the top.”

He is a fan of Real Madrid

After Real Madrid's Copa del Rey clasico semi-final win over rivals Barcelona in 2013 Depay joyously tweeted “Hala Madrid!