Georginio Wijnaldum has revealed the pledge he and Memphis Depay made to bring the Eredivisie title to PSV before moving abroad.
- By Michael Bell
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In the summer of 2014 both Wijnaldum and Memphis made an impression at the World Cup in Brazil, and could have made moves away from the Eredivisie.
However both players instead extended their contracts at PSV and led the club to the title, before Wijnaldum joined Newcastle United and Memphis moved to Manchester United.
Speaking to PSV fans union, Wijnaldum revealed the pledge he made with Memphis. He said, “Memphis was there much earlier than me. He was, for example at the World Cup already actively creating a name for himself.
“To me he said: ‘You are captain, you have to keep the team together. This year you should only go for one thing and that is the championship.’
“Even after we talked about it together, we never said in so many words that we would continue to be champions, but we both had the same feeling.
“I extended my contract and then Memphis.
“Then we have shown it with our actions.”
On facing Memphis in the Premier League in the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford earlier this season, Wijnaldum said, “That was fun,”
“I was glad we blocked him and his team from scoring (that day).
“Memphis can decide a match with his actions and shots.
“I’d just spoken to him beforehand and also after the game.
“We talked mainly about how it has been to settle down at our clubs; like how to adapt to the club, how to adapt to the country.
“We have not really talked about football.”
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