Netherlands: Depay rates his fitness ahead of Ecuador clash

The Oranje prepare for their second World Cup game after beating Senegal.

Memphis Depay says he has gained full fitness ahead of Netherlands’ second World Cup clash against Ecuador.

Depay played for 30 minutes in Netherlands’ 2-0 win over Senegal on Monday. It marked Depay’s comeback from an injury that kept him out of action for about two months.

The Barcelona attacker is delighted to be back on the pitch but believes his side need to improve after their first game in the tournament.

“I am very happy to play again,” he told reporters. “I have needed a long time to reappear. It hasn’t been easy mentally.

“But I’ve worked hard to get there and I’ve played half an hour. It’s a step. It’s incredible to play football again.

“If you don’t play well but win 2-0 against the African champion, you can’t not be happy, but we have to improve.

“Now we are happy, but from tomorrow it is time to think about Ecuador. The injury has been hard, but I’m already recovered and I’m enjoying a World Cup.”

Reports around Depay’s possible departure from Barcelona have started to reemerge ahead of the winter transfer window.

The Dutchman has reportedly attracted interest from Manchester United to replace Cristiano Ronaldo. But he’s not keen to speculate on his future while playing at World Cup.

“I don’t want to think about the past,” Depay added. “I’m focused on the World Cup. I also don’t want to think beyond this competition. I don’t know what will happen after the World Cup.”