Memphis Depay has issued a grovelling apology after being hit with a prison sentence for drink driving.
The former Manchester United star has been given a four-month suspended jail stint for the incident officially categorised as ‘dangerous driving’. It occurred last August in Monaco as Depay decided to get behind the wheel of his Rolls Royce after leaving a nightclub.
The Dutchman was subsequently stopped by the police and breathalysed. Depay’s blood alcohol level was 1.01 per millilitre, which exceeded the legal limit in Monaco.
And court officials in the principality have now revealed his punishment. He has been ordered to pay a €9,000 (£7,500) fine, while being handed a four-month suspended prison sentence and a two-year driving ban in Monaco.
“I would like to come on here and apologise,” Depay said on Instagram after the judgement was revealed. “Last summer during my holidays in Monaco I made a mistake and decided to drive home after having some drinks in a restaurant.
“I should’ve got in a taxi instead but I didn’t so I would like to apologise and want to take full responsibility for my action. 2024 was a year of lessons and I will definitely learn from this one. 2025 we will do better. Memphis.”
Depay, 30, has endured a rollercoaster career since breaking through at Dutch side PSV. He moved to Man United in 2015 but scored just two Premier League goals before being sold to Lyon.
The forward then signed for Barcelona in 2021 and also had a season with Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid after leaving the Camp Nou. He signed for Brazilian side Corinthians in October.
Explaining that move at the time, Depay said: “Why I signed is very simple for me. I grew up in the Netherlands with African roots, know the competitions in Europe and played for many teams.
“As I got older, I asked myself: What can I do to become happier? That is staying close to my feeling. Everything in my life serves a purpose. This adventure made my heart happy.”
He added: “The energy I got, the efforts of the club, the reception of the supporters… I haven’t experienced this before. Maybe we’re playing at a higher level in Europe, but you can’t deny that the authentic football comes from Brazil. This is the Mecca of football.”
Depay has scored seven goals in 18 games in all competitions since arriving in Brazil His next outing could come on Thursday evening against Palmeiras.
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