<
>

United-bound Memphis Depay admires Cristiano Ronaldo; nearly joined PSG

Memphis Depay has said he looks up to former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo while revealing he came "really close" to joining Paris Saint-Germain.

Last week it was confirmed that United have agreed a deal with PSV Eindhoven for the transfer of Depay in a deal reportedly worth €30 million.

The Netherlands international followed that news with a stunning free kick in his side's 2-0 win over Heracles Almelo on Sunday, before he was substituted to a standing ovation in his last game at the Philips Stadion.

Depay, 21, said in The Sun: "I hope I can one day be like the big guys in the world. I train every day on my free kicks and the United fans can expect something.

"I believe in myself and, if I have the chance to take the free kick, then I will put it in the net.

"Ronaldo is someone I watch, I watch all the big players. I look up to them and I can learn from them.

"I am down to earth and I hope I can reach that level. I'll fight for it and I will do my best in every training session to get better."

Interest in Depay was reportedly high, and the winger has said he nearly joined Ligue 1 giants PSG before agreeing his United deal.

He said: "The transfer to PSG was really close. I always knew United were interested but it was nothing concrete. Then at the last moment they called and I spoke with their coach.

"It was a difficult situation but, after I spoke to Louis van Gaal, I said, 'I am going to go to Manchester.'

"I'm really proud and I believe I can be a big player at Old Trafford. I will give everything I have.

"I said to myself when I was 12, 'I want to play there.' It's a dream come true."