Rosario Central hosts Corinthians amid controversy over Depay's exit

Rosario Central of Argentina is set to host Brazil's Corinthians in the Copa Libertadores round of 16, but the highly anticipated match is clouded by controversy surrounding the Brazilian club's decision not to renew the contract of star player Memphis Depay. The match, scheduled for Thursday at the Gigante de Arroyito stadium in Rosario, will feature a clash between two evenly matched teams that navigated the group stages successfully. Corinthians led Group E with eleven points, while Rosario Central secured thirteen points in Group H, narrowly missing the top spot due to a tie-breaker. Ángel Di María continues to lead Rosario Central's offense and is expected to start.

Corinthians will be without Depay, whose contract extension was reportedly not honored by the club due to financial reasons. The Dutch player expressed his disappointment on social media, stating, "Very disappointed to read that Corinthians decided not to honor our existing agreement to extend my contract for two more years."

The game also marks a reunion between the coaches of the 2023 Libertadores finalists, Fernando Diniz and Jorge Almirón. Rosario Central boasts the Libertadores' best defense this season, having conceded only one goal in the group stage. Domestically, Rosario Central is eighth in their group, while Corinthians, struggling for form with no wins in their last three Libertadores matches, sits seventh in the Brasileirao.

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Very disappointed to read that Corinthians decided not to honor our existing agreement to extend my contract for two more years.