Memphis Depay Delighted to Discover His Ghanaian Roots, Learns His Grandfather Was Close to Revered King

• Memphis Depay was thrilled to learn his grandfather had a close relationship with the renowned king, Otumfour Osei Tutu II
• The Barcelona superstar was born in the Dutch city of Moordrecht to a Ghanaian father and Dutch mother
• He is expected to join his Barcelona teammates for preseason by the close of the week after a fulfilling vacation in Ghana

Barcelona ace Memphis Depay has expressed his delight following the discovery of his Ghanaian roots.

The 28-year-old travelled to Ghana as part of his post-season vacation last Wednesday and has since been reconnecting to his roots while embarking on philanthropic gestures.

His trip to the West African nation has been eventful - from playing football with natives on grassless pitches to refurbishing washrooms, Memphis experienced a holiday to remember.

He later paid a courtesy call on Ghana's sitting president, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo.

Young Chelsea star sets sights on representing Bafana Bafana in the future, hampered by paperwork

Football

The former Manchester United attacker also met with Ghanaian champions Asante Kotoko before heading to Kumasi to pay homage to the revered king of the Asante Kingdom [Asantehene], Otumfour Osei Tutu II.

In a video posted on Twitter, sighted by Sports Brief, Memphis paid close attention as Asantehene Otumfour Osei Tutu II revealed his close association with the Dutch star's late grandfather.

What did Otumfour say to Memphis?

“Your grandpa [grandfather] was someone that I cherished. All his children, I also know them all. So coming back here reminds me of when he was alive and the relationship I had with him.

“And so his children also still have connections to me because of that relationship I had with him. You coming back affirms to me that I nearly lost my grandson but he’s back now. And, therefore, you belong here.”

Amazulu makes another statement signing as Dumisani Zuma joins Gabadinho Mhango at Usuthu

Football

Memphis, who reckons his visit to Ghana was divinely orchestrated, is expected to depart the shores for Ghana ahead of Barcelona's preseason tour.

Memphis Depay believes his holiday trip to Ghana is a direction from God

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Dutch-born forward of Ghanaian descent Memphis Depay believes his decision to come to Ghana was divinely orchestrated.

Born to a Ghanaian father and a Dutch mother, Memphis has made it a habit to visit the West African country in the summer for the past few years.

Depay has been in the country since last Wednesday, having engaged in a myriad of activities, including meeting the first gentleman of the land, Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, at the Jubilee House.