AFP/ Paris
Memphis Depay will leave Lyon at the end of the season when his contract expires, the Dutch international striker told French daily L’Equipe in an interview. The 27-year-old, who joined Lyon from Manchester United in January 2017, will make his final appearance for the club against Nice tomorrow in a game that could secure them Champions League football next season.
Lyon are currently fourth, one point behind Monaco who occupy the final Champions League spot. “It feels weird to think that this is my last game here,” said Depay. “It makes me sad to go to an empty stadium, without the supporters.”
Last September, Depay was reported to be close to joining compatriots Frenkie de Jong and Ronald Koeman at Barcelona in a transfer worth 25mn euros ($29.6mn) but the move never came off. With Koeman looking to rebuild at Barca, the move may return to the table, although Depay, who has scored 20 goals and set up 10 others, is open to offers.
Ranieri to end managerial ‘soap opera’ at Sampdoria
Claudio Ranieri announced he will not coach Serie A club Sampdoria next season. Ranieri, who memorably guided outsiders Leicester City to the 2016 English Premier League title, took over the Genoa side in October 2019.
“I would like to close the soap opera of my contract,” Ranieri said on the club’s website. “Today, I told the team that I will not stay another year, the conditions aren’t right to stay.”
Ranieri’s contract expires this June. The 69-year-old guided the team to safety last season with a 15th place finish. This campaign they are ninth ahead of their final game against relegated Parma.
Ranieri coached his hometown club Roma before joining Sampdoria, who won their only Serie A title 30 years ago. His vast coaching experience spanning 35 years includes spells at Chelsea, Valencia, Monaco, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Juventus and Napoli.