Dutch international of Ghanaian roots Memphis Depay has emotionally explained why he chose not to use the name given to him by his father at the back of Manchester United jersey.

The 21-year-old has revealed that his father leaving him when he was four years old is the reason why he does not want to be called Depay or have his surname on the back of his United jersey.

Depay’s Ghanaian father abandoned him and his Dutch mother when he was a little boy and has since not been in touch with the family causing him to develop a hatred of what sort for his roots.

But the 2014 Dutch World Cup star still carries a tattoo on his hand that shows his Ghanaian roots.

He arrived from PSV Eindhoven earlier this summer in a £23m deal that triggered the belief among United fans that a title challenge is on the cards, and the further additions made by the club have only gone to strengthen this idea.

However, when Depay was unveiled by the club it was quickly made apparent that he would not have his surname on the back of his shirt, and the Netherlands international has explained in an interview with the BBC why he made that decision.

“Those things are a part of my life. It is not a part of football. It is a different thing. I have a life next to football,” said Depay in relation to his father leaving when he was a young child.

“I have been through little situations. That makes me strong. I enjoy my tattoos, as you can see. I am the person I am. Everybody has to respect that,” he added.

Depay was spotted at a Ghanaian beach resort in 2013.