'I'd like to apologise' - Former Man Utd star Memphis Depay issues strong statement after being handed jail term for drink driving

Memphis was stopped by Monaco police last August while driving his Rolls-Royce in the Monegasque streets and tested positive for alcohol in his system. A court in the French Riviera city handed the former Manchester United and Barcelona star a four-month suspended jail term and £7,500 fine earlier this week as he was over the legal alcohol limit. Memphis was not present in court for the hearing but has now released a statement regarding the conviction.

On social media, he wrote: "I would like to come on here and apologise. 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 into a taxi instead, but I didn't.

"So I would like to apologise, and wanna 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 is no longer playing in Europe as he joined Brazilian side Corinthians as a free agent in September of last year after Atletico Madrid decided to let the Dutchman's contract run out after he contributed to just 15 goals in 40 games for Diego Simeone's side.

The Dutch forward has two weeks to appeal the decision made by the court, however, it is unlikely that he will opt to do so. In addition to his sentence, Memphis will also not be allowed to drive in Monaco for the next two years.