Why does Memphis Depay have a lion tattoo on his back? Netherlands stars artwork took 24 hours to

Netherlands are starring at the World Cup once again and Memphis Depay is playing his part as they embark on a quarter-final against Argentina.

Depay scored in Oranje’s 3-1 win over the USA last weekend to keep their tournament hopes alive and the 28-year-old will be involved yet again on Friday against Lionel Messi and co.

Fans may have noticed his tattoos during the tournament and in fact, he is one of the most heavily inked players in football.

All should keep their eyes peeled if Depay is to take off his shirt in any of his remaining games as the main piece is featured on his back.

Why does Memphis Depay have a lion tattoo on his back?

Depay has over 50 tattoos in total, with a full lion’s face as his showpiece. His whole back is inked with a heavily detailed lion which covers every inch of skin.

It’s not just a stunning look but it also has a deeper meaning for Depay who relates it back to the early years of his life.

He said: “I’ve always had a feeling that I’ve been brought up in the jungle. I was always outside, I’ve been to rough areas and I’ve been through rough times.

“The lion on my back represents me – I have the heart of a lion. I got it done in Manchester. It took a long time because it’s so big, maybe like 24 hours in total.

“The lion is for me, ‘the king of the jungle,’ and I always stayed on my feet even though it was rough.”

Of course, it is rarely on show with his kit covering it up, but he takes every chance he can to show off the superb piece of artwork.

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Why does Memphis Depay have a lion tattoo on his back? Netherlands stars artwork took 24 hours to

Why does Memphis Depay have a lion tattoo on his back?

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