Footballer with Ghanaian descent, Memphis Depay has expressed pride in his affiliation with the Ashanti tribe, highlighting its power and significance in Ghana.

He shared that he only discovered his roots and Ghanaian heritage at the age of 23 when he visited the country to learn about his identity and African history.

Depay feels a strong connection to his roots, which has positively influenced his football career, adding that he does not shy about discussing his heritage on international platforms.

During an interview with ESPN, he said, "I didn't get to see my roots until I was 23 because I never went back. The first time I went, I was two years old. So, I was raised basically without my father and everything. But it built me. It built character. And then when I went back to Ghana, I started to find out about my history from my African part. The blood that I carry is from the Ashanti region.

"It's a tribe in Ghana, which is powerful. We are warriors. I go to places in Ghana and try to help because I'm blessed with some gifts. That's why I feel connected. If you have a platform like I do, I try to speak on it and not shy away because there's a lot of groundwork behind the scenes."

Depay, who has Ghanaian lineage through his father, visited the Cape Coast Castle to learn about Ghanaian heritage.

He has naturalised for the Netherlands and plays for the Dutch national team in various tournaments.

Watch the video below:

Memphis Depay says connecting with his 🇬🇭 Ghanaian roots has played a key part in his life and career. pic.twitter.com/NmjsD80VJH

— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) September 13, 2024