Juventus defender De Ligt: Depay stronger for tough Man Utd experience | OneFootball

Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt says Memphis Depay is a better player for his tough experience with Manchester United.

Depay, 27, goes into the Euros with ­massive offers from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain on the table after rebuilding his career at Lyon following his nightmare at Old Trafford.

The forward lasted just 18 months in Manchester, ­scoring just two goals in 33 Premier League appearances and being criticised by Wayne Rooney for turning up to training in a flashy Rolls Royce.

But Depay has become the talisman for Holland's young team – and Juventus defender De Ligt said: “Memphis has gone through so much in his career already.

“The World Cup in 2014, where Holland finished third, was a massive experience for him.

“But people forget he also played for Manchester United. It was there he learned what is required at top-level football.

“He is now passing on that experience to the young players in our team.

“He will say to them in the camp, 'Hey, come on, this is the real level of top football, you are finding out what it is all about'.

“It is great to have him in the team – not just for the quality he brings on to the pitch, but because he is a genuinely nice guy."