Memphis Depay, the striker for Atletico Madrid and the Netherlands, stated that his decision to publish a photo alongside Quincy Promes was not meant to provoke anyone or create controversy. He emphasized that his post reflected personal loyalty to friends and family, rather than a blanket endorsement of all actions taken by those close to him. Depay explained that the image was shared during a Dubai holiday with a group of friends, and his intent was simply to share a moment from a familiar gathering rather than to judge anyone involved.
He clarified that his public statements should not be read as an absolution of any wrongdoing. Depay asserted that his support for his friends does not automatically translate into agreement with every choice they make. He stressed that he would not abandon people he cares about, even if certain actions by those individuals are controversial or subject to legal scrutiny. The footballer pointed out that his social media activity should not be misconstrued as a formal stance on the broader disputes surrounding Promes.
Promes, a fellow footballer, faced serious legal challenges in recent times. He was arrested in the United Arab Emirates on March 13 in connection with a traffic incident. Earlier in the timeline, he had been subject to house arrest as investigators pursued their case. The legal proceedings against Promes have drawn wide attention due to the severity of the allegations involved and the high-profile nature of his career.
Earlier in the year, on February 14, an Amsterdam court sentenced Promes to six years in prison after prosecutors had sought a nine-year term in a cocaine trafficking case. The hearing took place on January 24, with the prosecution outlining the details of the charges and the potential punishment. Shortly after, on February 16, Promes was placed on an international wanted list, complicating his legal situation and leading to further international attention. In addition to the cocaine charges, Promes also carries a prior conviction related to a stabbing incident, for which he received a sentence of 1.5 years in prison on the record of his case.
In related developments, discussions surfaced about the Dutch national team and the level of support players showed for Promes. Some observers, including the national team coach, Koeman, voiced concerns about the public backing or lack thereof from teammates. This discourse highlighted the tension between personal relationships, professional responsibilities, and the expectations placed on national team players during turbulent personal legal matters.