He has been constantly compared to Cristiano Ronaldo, and after sealing a move to Manchester United, Memphis Depay has admitted the Real Madrid star is a big inspiration.
- By Michael Bell
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Depay’s thirst for success, and determination on and off the pitch are very similar to that of Cristiano Ronaldo, and speaking to the press after attending an Under Armour event in London, the 21-year-old stated he will “fight” to reach the level of the Ballon D’or winner.
Depay said, “I heard people compare me to Cristiano Ronaldo,”
“It’s great to hear other people say that but I’m still 21 and I hope one day I can reach the level of Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I’m the same player as him in style and he’s a big hero for me. He scored so many goals and I have to fight to be the same.”
Speaking of his excellent season with PSV, Depay revealed talking to his new boss at Manchester United, Louis van Gaal, made him hungry for success.
He said on Van Gaal, “He is different. His performance on the training ground is different from other trainers. After the World Cup he told me to stay hungry and I told myself to stay hungry.
“When I made the decision to stay I wanted to be champion and top scorer. I set those goals and I hope to achieve them. It will be great to have an opportunity to train with him and work with him.
“I made the choice to stay an extra year together with my manager at PSV and the people around me. It was a good choice, I think?
“We became champions in the Dutch league and with one more game left I can become top scorer. That’s a good choice, yeah?
“I have learned more every day. It is to do with how many games you play and how many situations you face on the pitch.”