MADRID: Dutch striker Memphis Depay has been released by club side Atletico Madrid, just two days before his side’s Euro 2024 last-16 clash with Romania.
Spaniard Mario Hermoso and Brazilian Gabriel Paulista are also leaving the club on free transfers, Atleti said in a statement.
Depay, 30, only moved there from Barcelona in January 2023.
He has been constantly criticized as club and national level for not fulfilling his promise.
However, Depay could replace Robin van Persie as the Oranje’s record all-time goalscorer at this tournament. He is four goals short of the record of 50 and is set to start in Ronald Koeman’s team against Romania tomorrow.
“I can handle criticism well. I’m used to it,” Depay told a news conference at the Dutch team’s headquarters in Wolfsburg yesterday.
“The coach’s trust is important to me. I feel it and want to repay him.” — dpa
