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Memphis Depay was fined and handed a fourth month prison sentence for reckless driving.

Corinthians star Memphis Depay is in hot water after a shocking legal verdict. 

The former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid winger known to be close pals with Nigerian music star Davido, has been hit with a two-year driving ban and a four-month suspended prison sentence after being caught drunk driving in Monaco.

According to RMC Sport, Depay was pulled over by Monaco police in the early hours of August 6, 2023, while recklessly driving a Rolls-Royce. 

Authorities revealed that the 30-year-old had an alcohol level of 1.01 mg per litre of exhaled air, which equates to over 2g of alcohol per litre of blood—well above the legal limit.

The court in Monaco delivered its verdict in Depay’s absence, sentencing him to a suspended four-month jail term, a €2,000 fine, and a two-year driving ban within the principality.

 Although Depay admitted guilt and apologised at the time of his arrest, he now has two weeks to appeal the decision.

Depay speaks out: “I take full responsibility”

Following the ruling, Depay broke his silence on Wednesday, January 5, addressing the controversy via his Instagram Stories.

“I would like to come on here and apologise,” he wrote.

“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 actions.

“2024 was a year of lessons and I will definitely learn from this one. 2025 we will do better.”

Despite the scandal, Depay’s focus remains on his career at Corinthians, where he recently made the move following an injury-plagued spell at Atlético Madrid.

Depay & Davido’s brotherly bond beyond football

While this incident marks a dark chapter in Memphis Depay’s career, his name remains linked with Afrobeats superstar Davido, with whom he shares a strong friendship.

Their bond goes beyond social media interactions, as Depay has consistently showered Davido with lavish gifts. 

On Depay’s 30th birthday dinner last year, the footballer stunned fans by gifting Davido a luxury Rolex watch worth millions of naira, after the latter performed for him at the exclusive dinner celebration.

Depay, who is of Ghanaian descent, has also been vocal about his admiration for Davido, referring to the Nigerian music icon as his “brother.” 

Their friendship dates back three years, when Depay, then at Barcelona, presented Davido with a personalised Barça jersey.

Additionally, both stars share a professional connection as PUMA brand ambassadors, further solidifying their bond. 

Depay has even expressed a strong interest in collaborating musically with Davido, teasing fans about a possible project in the future.