Dutch international Memphis Depay has moved to clarify the intent behind his newly released music video, which shows Corinthians' administrative headquarters engulfed in flames, insisting the imagery was purely artistic and not a call to arms.
The clip, promoting his track "Don't Panic," surfaced just a day after Depay played a key role in helping Corinthians advance to the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals. Its timing raised eyebrows, coming so soon after a turbulent stretch in his relationship with the Brazilian club, during which he agreed to a significant reduction in salary to remain at Parque Sao Jorge, only a week after the club had initially decided not to renew his contract.
The video's imagery has drawn particular attention because of its apparent connections to Depay's recent disputes with club officials. Though he does not identify anyone by name in the song, lyrics reference unnamed "rivals" and include the line: "I know a vice-president who is now my enemy." Combined with the visual of the club's headquarters ablaze, many interpreted the release as a pointed message directed at Corinthians' leadership.
The timing is especially sensitive given that Corinthians supporters have been staging protests against the club's ownership, driven by mounting concerns over financial mismanagement and governance failures. With tensions already running high among the fanbase, Depay appeared eager to prevent his video from being read as encouragement for more aggressive demonstrations.
Addressing the backlash on social media, the 32-year-old forward stated that the footage had actually been shot months earlier, distancing it from the immediate context of his contract negotiations. "I hope it's a peaceful protest where people can express what they think calmly. About my music, I insist it's just art," Depay said, seeking to separate his artistic output from the club's ongoing internal strife.
He went further to address the fiery imagery directly, stressing that he does not condone unrest of any kind. "I'm fully against any type of violence of all kind," the former Manchester United striker added, attempting to draw a clear line between his creative expression and any real-world implications tied to the club's turbulent atmosphere.
Depay's situation at Corinthians has been anything but straightforward in recent weeks. After the club initially declined to extend his contract, negotiations resumed and ultimately led to an agreement that saw the forward accept reduced terms in order to remain with the Sao Paulo giants. That resolution came just days before the release of his music video, which has now reignited scrutiny over his standing within the club and his relationship with its hierarchy.
Meanwhile, on the pitch, Depay continues to deliver for Corinthians, having contributed to the team's progression into the last eight of South America's premier club competition. His performances have made him a central figure for the club both in terms of results and off-field narrative, with fans and media alike closely watching how the situation develops.
As Corinthians supporters continue their protests against ownership, the club will be hoping that the controversy surrounding Depay's video does not overshadow his on-field contributions or further complicate an already fraught atmosphere surrounding the organization's leadership.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.